DETROIT — Starting pitcher Tanner Bibee recently said the Guardians would be "buyers, hopefully." He, and the rest of the Guardians clubhouse, were given a wave of relief Monday night.
In a trade market that heavily favors the sellers in almost every scenario, the Guardians struck their first trade of this deadline season, acquiring outfielder Lane Thomas from the Washington Nationals for a package of three prospects, including left-handed pitcher Alex Clemmey and infielders Jose Tena and Rafael Rodriguez Jr.
The Guardians, after Monday night's win in Detroit, are 64-42 and holding a five-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central. Their .604 win percentage remains No. 1 in the AL.
But as Tuesday's trade deadline (6 p.m. ET) drew closer without a deal, it become unclear if the Guardians' front office would be able to complete a deal with asking prices remaining relatively high, thus bolstering the roster for the stretch run to the postseason.
"I think it definitely uplifts us, and I think it helps us know that they think we can go out there and win, and that's a crazy monkey off the back," Bibee said he pitched six-plus innings in the win. "I don't think a lot of people really know how much that clears the mental [side of things] a little bit, and it definitely helps. It helps for sure."
Thomas represents a near-perfect fit for one of the Guardians' top needs at the deadline as an outfielder who crushes left-handed pitching in a lefty-heavy lineup . He has a .922 OPS against lefties this season along with 28 stolen bases in only 77 games played.
He figures to see extensive time in either right field or possibly center field, giving manager Stephen Vogt some flexibility with the everyday lineup.
"Well one of our goals heading into the deadline was to try to find a way to lengthen the lineup and add some offense, and we feel we've been able to do that by bringing Lane into the organization," president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said. "We're definitely not done pursuing things. Whether or not that leads to another deal or more deals, it's really hard to forecast."
The Guardians could still use some starting pitching help — though, just about every contender could as well — and perhaps a shortstop, as Brayan Rocchio has struggled to really grab hold of that position thus far. But whether the Guardians can stomach the high value to add any more veterans, Thomas' acquisition was a significant — and positive — message to the clubhouse.
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This front office has shown a willingness to get aggressive when the time is right, adding Andrew Miller , Brandon Guyer , Josh Donaldson , Jay Bruce , Brad Hand , Yasiel Puig , Franmil Reyes and others at, around or just after the trade deadlines between 2016 and 2019. Thomas' addition isn't quite the level of Miller or Hand, especially, but he solves a significant need around the roster.
All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez hadn't yet heard of the deal, which was completed during Monday's game, but once told, he echoed Bibee's sentiment. The Guardians have long been operated with a level of calculated risk, patience and shrewd additions with a focus both the present and the future. To the clubhouse, the message is that there is belief that they can make some noise in October.
"I think that's good. It means that everybody's on the same page because that means that they want to win and because we want to win more games," Ramirez said through a team translator. "It's good to be on the same page."
Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com. Read more about the Guardians at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/cleveland-guardians. Follow him on Threads at @ByRyanLewis .
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Lane Thomas trade to Cleveland Guardians sparks relief, excitement
