Royals Secure Outfielder Lane Thomas on 1-Year, $5.25M Deal

The Royals have agreed to a one-year, $5.25 million deal with veteran outfielder Lane Thomas, including $1 million in incentives, pending a physical. Thomas was limited to 39 games in 2025 for the Guardians due to plantar fasciitis, requiring September surgery, and a right wrist bone bruise. He batted just .160 with a .518 OPS. The 30-year-old previously hit 28 homers and stole 20 bases with a .783 OPS in 2023 for Washington. He offers defensive versatility across the outfield and an elite arm, with potential power/speed if healthy.