Kansas City is betting that Lane Thomas can turn the page on a lost season and rediscover his power.
The Kansas City Royals added an intriguing piece to their outfield this offseason, signing Lane Thomas to a one-year, $5.25 million contract. On the surface, the move may raise eyebrows given Thomas’ rough 2025 campaign with the Cleveland Guardians, but the Royals are clearly betting on upside rather than recent production.
Thomas struggled mightily at the plate last season, posting a .160 batting average, .246 on-base percentage and .518 OPS while hitting just four home runs and driving in 11 runs across 39 appearances.
Injuries played a major role in his disappointing season. Thomas suffered a right wrist bone bruise after being hit by a pitch in April, disrupting his timing early on. Not long after, he began dealing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, an injury that lingered and led to multiple stints on the injured list.
The foot issue ultimately required surgery in September, prematurely ending his season and preventing him from ever finding a rhythm.
Despite the ugly stat line, Kansas City views Thomas as a bounce-back candidate rather than a finished product. Given his track record and the context surrounding his injuries, the Royals believe he can provide meaningful value if healthy in 2026.
One of the biggest factors working in Thomas’ favor is opportunity. The Royals’ outfield lacks established everyday production, meaning Thomas should receive plenty of chances to earn consistent playing time.
If he shows even moderate offensive improvement early, he could quickly lock down a starting role, allowing him to regain confidence and settle into a regular routine. Thomas’ disastrous 2025 season should not erase what he accomplished just two years prior.
During the 2023 season and into early 2024 with the Washington Nationals, he emerged as a reliable offensive contributor, nearly totaling 30 home runs in 2023. That stretch demonstrated he can be more than a depth outfielder when healthy, and it is that version of Thomas the Royals are hoping to unlock again.
Health is the key. Thomas underwent surgery in September, giving him ample time to recover before spring training. With a full offseason to rehab and prepare, he should enter next season physically stronger and free from the nagging injuries that derailed his 2025. If his body cooperates, a return to form is well within reach.
For a Royals team searching for stability in the outfield, Thomas represents both risk and reward, a low-cost gamble that could pay off if his health and bat rebound in 2026.