This Nationals' outfielder (not Jesse Winker) would be a perfect fit for the Reds

Though the All-Star break put all the Major League Baseball rumors on hold, they're sure to remerge with the Midsummer Classic in the rearview mirror. Once play resumes later this week and executives are back behind their desks, the MLB trade deadline will be the focus on the entire baseball world for the next couple of weeks.

No doubt, GMs and other team executives have been compiling data and making phone calls to other organizations, attempting to gauge trade interest — both as buyers and sellers. The Cincinnati Reds are in that odd space of not quite being the position to buy but also not looking to sell. In the end, the Reds may end up holding the line and dance with the date that brought them.

But, if the Reds wanted to make a big move at the upcoming trade deadline, there is a position that most fans would love to see upgraded. Despite Rece Hinds' recent success, the outfield remains a giant question mark at this stage of the season. TJ Friedl's impending return may cause the Reds' front office to hold off on any additions, but if Nick Krall wants to go big, Lane Thomas would be a fantastic upgrade.

Nats OF Lane Thomas would be a great fit for the Reds at the MLB trade deadline

Thomas is having a down-year, but there's still a lot to like about the Washington Nationals' right fielder. Thomas is hitting .252/.318/.404 this season after posting a .268/.315/.468 slash line in 2023. The power is down, but according to Baseball Savant, Thomas owns a .275 expected batting average and is among the best in chase rate (21%).

Thomas is currently signed to a one-year, $5.4 million contract and under team control through next season. The 28-year-old is a right-handed hitter and has feasted on left-handed pitching this season. Thomas is hitting .350/.430/.550 against southpaws in 2024, and has a career-OPS near .900 against lefties.

Thomas has also made Great American Ball Park his own personal playground during his time with the Nats. In 19 games, Thomas has hit .310/.366/.676 with 12 extra-base hits, including seven home runs on the road against the Reds. Thomas has a higher OPS at GABP (1.042) than he does in his 12 visits to Coors Field (1.006).

Thomas is the type of player that Krall and Co. should be targeting at the MLB trade deadline. The Nationals will be looking to sell, but the price tag won't be cheap. With the 2024 MLB Draft behind them, the Reds may be a bit more willing to part with some of their minor league prospects after having restocked their talent pool down on the farm.

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