As they bid to run away with the National League East, the Atlanta Braves are acquiring outfielder Lane Thomas and pitcher Bailey Falter from the Kansas City Royals on Saturday evening, a league source told The Athletic on the condition of anonymity because the deal has not yet been announced. In return, the Royals will receive two minor-league pitchers, righty Lucas Braun and lefty Carter Holton, according to multiple reports.

Thomas exited the Royals’ game in Colorado in the fourth inning and received hugs from teammates in the visitors dugout. It’s the fourth time in his career that he’s been traded, and the third time it’s happened in the days leading up to the deadline.

Thomas owns a .232/.326/.393 slash line this season, but has a track record of faring well against left-handed pitching. He boasts an .800 OPS against lefties this season. The Braves own a .706 OPS as a team against lefties, which ranks in the middle of the pack in MLB, versus a .745 mark against righties.

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Thomas signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the Royals over the winter, opting for new surroundings rather than a return to the Cleveland Guardians on a similar contract. The Guardians acquired him ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, and he delivered a go-ahead grand slam off Tarik Skubal in the decisive game of the ALDS that October. He spent last year dealing with foot and wrist injuries.

Falter was set to join the Royals’ rotation after a stint in Triple-A Omaha following a couple of rough stretches in Kansas City earlier this season. He has allowed 15 runs on 24 hits in 9 2/3 innings in the big leagues this year. The 29-year-old lefty logged a 3.35 ERA with Omaha, and will likely head to Triple A for the Braves.

Braun, a 6-foot, 185-pound righty, attacks hitters with six pitches, led by a sweeping slider. Although lacking a plus offering, he thrives on his command, advanced control and an ability to mix speeds effectively. He had a 3.92 ERA in 10 games with Triple-A Gwinnett.

Holton, the Braves’ second-round pick in 2024, missed all of 2025 as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. He had a 5.08 ERA in six games with High-A Augusta this season.