The Cleveland Guardians had a significant decision to make as Thursday afternoon’s arbitration deadline loomed. By 1 pm ET, the team needed to finalize contracts with their arbitration-eligible players who had yet to sign. Among the players in question were two of their starting outfielders, Steven Kwan and Lane Thomas.
Both Kwan and Thomas will be returning for the 2025 season, with their salaries now officially set. For Lane Thomas, in particular, this process resulted in a substantial pay increase as he enters his final year of team control.
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“Lane Thomas and the Guardians have settled on a $7.825 million deal for 2025, per source, avoiding arbitration,” MLB insider Mark Feinsand announced on X.
Earlier in the offseason, there was speculation that the Guardians might trade Thomas, as he is set to become a free agent after the upcoming season. Trading him would align with the team’s long-term philosophy, which often involves moving players before losing them to free agency. However, the Guardians ultimately decided to keep Thomas, and the choice makes sense.
Thomas is currently the best option for center field, and the team lacks a clear replacement for him on the roster. Unlike Josh Naylor’s departure, which came with a viable in-house alternative, the Guardians would have been left with a void in the outfield had they moved Thomas.
Acquired at last year’s trade deadline, Thomas initially struggled to find his footing in Cleveland. His performance in August was particularly rough, as he managed only a 30 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus). However, the Guardians’ patience paid off. In September, Thomas rebounded with an impressive 137 wRC+, and he carried that momentum into October.
In the postseason, Thomas became a key contributor, delivering a 124 wRC+ and showcasing his power with two critical home runs in the ALDS. Over 10 games, he drove in nine runs, solidifying his role as an impactful player.
Beyond his on-field performance, Thomas has embraced Cleveland and its fanbase, earning affection from supporters who dubbed him the ‘Lane Train.’ With one year left before free agency, he’s expected to give his all in 2025.
The decision to retain Thomas underscores the Guardians’ intent to remain competitive while balancing their roster needs. As the arbitration dust settles, fans can look forward to another season with Thomas anchoring the outfield and bringing excitement to Progressive Field.
