To this point Lane Thomas’ career has been overlooked in prospect circles. We’re talking about a guy who hit .264/.333/.489 with 27 big flies and 17 swipes between Double-A and Triple-A in 2018. The Cardinals acquired the former fifth rounder for $500,000 in international bonus money so the Blue Jays could sign Eric Pardinho, and thus far that looks like a pretty shrewd move.

Thomas broke out last year because he was able to stay on the field. For the first time in years he was healthy as 2017 closed, and had an off-season without limitations. It paid off. Thomas’ emergence last season was part of the reason the team could afford to part with outfielder Oscar Mercado at last season’s deadline.

Thomas is a skilled baseball player. He is an above-average defender and athlete in center, and he’s a plus defender on the outfield corners. Offensively he’s a plus runner, but needs to work on his jumps and base stealing acumen but I do think he could swipe 10-12 bags if given the opportunity. The main calling card offensively is Thomas’ power. He has above-average power, and his swing is highlighted by a modest load and leg kick which is simple, but keeps everything in line. Since coming to the Cardinals, Thomas has used all fields more, but his homer power is to the pull side. He will swing and miss often, but his 23 K% rate in the minors last year at both levels won’t kill you in today’s game. He’s drawn comparisons to current organization mate Harrison Bader, and I think those are apt, but with less speed for Thomas but slightly more thump.

The Cardinals sent Thomas to the Arizona Fall League in 2018, and he finished strong after a rough start. The Cardinals then added him to the 40-man roster and view him as a piece of their future. It’s going to be difficult for Thomas to find consistent playing time in the Cardinals outfield, and I assume his stay on the roster will be until Bader and/or O’Neill return from the Injured List. Lance Brozdowski ranked Thomas as the Cardinals 20th prospect on the Prospects Live top 30 list. With his promotion it’s clear Thomas has passed Adolis Garcia on the organization depth chart, and he’s a name to track for the remainder of 2019 if injuries strike the crowded, but flawed, Cardinals outfield.