Which AL Central rival did Steven Thomas sign with?

Steven Thomas signed with the Kansas City Royals.

What was Steven Thomas's contract with the Royals?

Steven Thomas signed a one-year contract worth $5.25 million.

Why do the Cleveland Guardians need a new center fielder?

Outfielder Steven Thomas, who played center field for the Guardians, signed with the Kansas City Royals, creating a need for a replacement.

Home / Sports / Guardians Lose Outfielder Thomas to AL Central Rival

Guardians Lose Outfielder Thomas to AL Central Rival

12 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Thomas signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Royals.
He played one-and-a-half seasons in Cleveland after a 2024 trade.
Cleveland must now find a new center fielder for 2026.

Guardians Lose Outfielder Thomas to AL Central Rival

The Cleveland Guardians are once again facing uncertainty in center field following Steven Thomas's recent signing with the Kansas City Royals. Thomas agreed to a one-year deal worth $5.25 million, joining an AL Central rival after playing with Cleveland for the past season and a half. He was initially a key acquisition from the Nationals at the 2024 trade deadline.

During his tenure in Cleveland, Thomas showed flashes of his potential, providing reliable defense and arm strength. However, his offensive performance in 2025 was hampered by injuries and inconsistency, batting just .160 in 39 games. The Royals, meanwhile, are banking on the player Thomas proved to be with the Nationals, where he posted a .257 batting average and .759 OPS over four seasons, particularly excelling against left-handed pitching.

Thomas's move to Kansas City means he will face his former team multiple times in 2026. While the Guardians had no clear path to retaining him, his departure necessitates an immediate focus on identifying and securing a new center fielder. The team must now shift its attention to finding a suitable replacement to fill the void left by Thomas.