A handful of trades hit the wire late Monday, just hours before the 6 p.m. ET Tuesday deadline, including the Washington Nationals and Cleveland Guardians matchup up in a four-player swap
The American League Central-leading Cleveland Guardians strengthened their outfield by adding Thomas in exchange for three prospects.
Thomas, 29, has put together back-to-back solid years at the plate, picking up his production this season after a slow start in Match/April.
Since returning from the IL on May 27, Thomas is batting .282/.363/.469 with 25 extra-base hits and is torching left-handed pitching to the tune of a 160 wRC+.
Thomas is a fringe defender despite above-average speed allowing him to steal bases. He had 20 swipes a year ago and enters play Tuesday with 28.
The Guardians acquired Thomas through next season and will pay him the balance of his $5.45 million arbitration deal. In 2025, Thomas’ salary could hit the $8-9 million range.
Heading back to Washington are left-hander Alex Clemmey and infielders Rafael Ramirez Jr. and Jose Tena.
Clemmey, 19, has a big fastball up to 99 mph and sitting comfortably 92-95 with hop up in the zone. He has two breaking balls, the curveball which is already above average and could be a plus offering in time. He’s mixing in a mid-80 slider and changeup, both flashing as future major-league offerings.
The 6-foot-6 Clemmey has one significant question mark and that;s his ability to find the strike zone consistently. In his 19 short-scripted outings this season — typically up to four innings as he builds arm strength and durability in his first pro season — Clemmey has issued three or more walks on eight occasions.
There’s real frontline upside here, however, and the reliever risk comes with a chance at high-leverage innings.
Tena, 23, made his big-league debut in June and has had a big year in Triple-A (.298/.353/.493, 17 HR in 90 games). It’s below-average shortstop defense but a chance at second or third base, though his offensive profile comes with plenty of risk thanks to high strikeout rates. The projection is a utility role, but more contact could bump that up a notch.
Ramirez is a 19-year-old, left-handed hitting shortstop with a chance to stay at the position, but his upside is bent on raw plus power. He’s struggled thus far in Single-A but owns good bat speed and a real shot at 20 homers down the road.
Thomas can hit anywhere in the order for Cleveland, solidifying the lineup and offering some stability through next season. The Nationals add upside to their system, led by a potential future No. 3 or better lefty in Clemmey.
Trade Grades (20-80 Scale)
Cleveland: 60
Washington: 55
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