Nationals acquire Lane Thomas

By Doug Miller

Nationals

July 30, 2021, 12:45pm

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The Washington Nationals acquired outfielder Lane Thomas from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for left-handed pitcher Jon Lester on Friday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Thomas, 25, entered the 2021 season ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the Cardinals organization and recognized as the "Fastest Baserunner" and "Best Defensive Outfielder" in the organization by Baseball America. He has appeared in 32 games for the Cardinals this season hitting .104 with one double, one RBI, 10 walks, two stolen bases and two runs scored.

The 6-foot, 185-pound outfielder made his Major League debut in 2019. Thomas became the 10th player in Cardinals history to hit a home run in his first Major League plate appearance. He has appeared in 84 games across three Major League seasons (2019-2021) hitting .172 with three doubles, one triple, five home runs, 15 RBI, 18 walks, three stolen bases and 13 runs scored.

A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Lane was originally selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth round of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft.

Lester, 37, went 3-5 with a 5.02 ERA in 16 starts for the Nationals in 2021.