The Rangers had some interest in signing Lane Thomas last offseason, the Dallas Morning News’ Evan Grant reports. The outfielder instead joined the Royals on a one-year, $5.25MM free agent deal that was “too rich for the Rangers’ blood,” as Grant puts it, but Thomas could be a possibility for Texas as the trade deadline approaches. Less than half of Thomas’ salary remains on the books, and he could be a fit as a platoon partner for Evan Carter in left field (or as a part-time center fielder since Wyatt Langford is currently on the IL).
Thomas is at least healthier and more productive than he was during his injury-marred 2025 campaign with the Guardians, but the outfielder has only an 86 wRC+ to show for a .214/.319/.338 slash line across 235 plate appearances in Kansas City. A part-time piece like Thomas would likely only do so much to help a Rangers team that could use a bigger offensive boost to stay afloat in the playoff race. Grant floats a few other speculative names that might be on the Rangers’ radar as Texas looks to add a bat and some bullpen help, among other needs.
More from around the AL West…
- A left calf strain sent Jeremy Pena to the 10-day injured list on June 30, but the Astros shortstop has resumed defensive and running drills. Manager Joe Espada told reporters (including the Houston Chronicle’s Matt Kawahara) that Pena is on pace to be activated in time for the Astros’ series with the Rangers just prior to the All-Star break, provided that Pena gets through a planned rehab game or two with Triple-A Sugar Land. Getting Pena back in minimal time would be a nice break for an Astros club that already without the shortstop for about a month earlier this season, when Pena was sidelined with a hamstring strain. Pena has been his usual productive self when healthy, hitting .295/.356/.443 over 202 PA this season.
- The Rangers might face another returning star before they face the Astros, as Mike Trout told MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger and other reporters that he is hoping to be activated from the 10-day IL during the Angels‘ upcoming series with Texas that begins on Tuesday. Trout hasn’t played since June 17 due to a hamstring strain, but the three-time MVP said he is back to doing his usual pregame routine. Baserunning was the only thing missing from Trout’s baseball activities, but he said his running drills are up to roughly 85 percent of his usual intensity. Under normal circumstances, the Angels might’ve held Trout out until after the All-Star break as an extra precaution, though Trout has a particular interest in playing in this year’s All-Star Game in Philadelphia near his hometown of Millville, New Jersey.
- In other Angels news, Yoan Moncada‘s recovery timeline was unknown when he underwent knee surgery in early June, but Francys Romero reports that Moncada was expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks. We’ve just entered the earliest part of that timeline now, though Moncada’s placement on the 60-day IL means that he isn’t eligible to return until at least July 20. Between the final stages of the recovery process and a minor league rehab assignment, Moncada projects to return to the Halos by late July or early August.
Good to hear Mr. Trout will be back in action soon.
Say no to Moncada. At least today the Angels have 1 infielder who can play defense. Bring Moncada back and it’s zero.
The guy Moncada is horrible
As soon as they activate him, they should DFA him but they won’t because it’s the Angels.
There is a new GM in town.
Remember that dude Billy Butler who used to play for KC and oak?
Beer Belly Billy? Who could forget?
Country Breakfast!
Super happy for Trout. Playing in the ASG 45 miles from his hometown will be special.
No need for Moncada. Let Guzman play every day and see what we have in the kid.
Will moseliak trade angels top players
Is it to late for the angels this year
I am way to optimistic
However under 10 games out with two and a half months is catchable
No it isn’t. Not for this team.
Lane Thomas has a better OPS vs. southpaws and plenty of experience at all 3 OF positions. Good fall back option for the Phillies if they cannot acquire a star (like Trout).
Passon and Morosi linking Arraez to Texas.
Evan Carter is another example of a subjective defense rating (as such) inflating the WAR number. Carter has a .646 OPS and is batting .190 and yet somehow has a higher WAR (1.9) than Wyatt Langford (1.7) despite Langford’s .824 and a 139 OPS+. Langford and Carter both have 1.000 fielding percentages and 2 assists each.
Moncada is of no value to the Halos at this point. DFA the guy and play the kids. Guzman, Perazza etc.
Angels played a tiny bit better without Moncada. The only reason i’d play him at this point is to hope he’ll do well enough to be a trade chip.
Angels trying to fix washed up White Sox players. Moncada and Nick Madrigal this year. Tim Anderson and Nicky Lopez last year as well as Moncada.
Didn’t the Halos have/ currently have Fulmer too? That guy is a garbage heap.
He was there once yeah
This team is going to have to do something about its defense….that means Guzman moves to short.