Atlanta Braves acquire Lane Thomas, Bailey Falter from Royals

The Atlanta Braves completed a deadline trade with the Kansas City Royals, acquiring outfielder Lane Thomas and left‑handed pitcher Bailey Falter. In return, the Braves sent right‑hander Lucas Braun and left‑hander Carter Holton to Kansas City. Thomas, 30, signed a one‑year, $5.25 million deal with the Royals before the trade and had been posting a .232 average with 10 home runs and 37 RBIs in 97 games. Falter, 29, appeared in five games for Kansas City this season, posting a 13.97 ERA after returning from left‑elbow inflammation.

The Braves also bolstered their rotation by trading right‑hander Anthony Molina to the San Francisco Giants for veteran starter Tyler Mahle. Mahle, 31, had a 3.79 ERA in seven starts after returning from a hamstring strain and brings a decade of MLB experience to Atlanta's staff. Both moves aim to deepen the Braves' roster as they chase the National League East title.