Connor

Thomas

Thomas returns to the majors as long relief depth for Kansas City after being claimed off waivers from the Athletics earlier this month. He’s spent time with three different organizations over the last month.

Thomas heads to his third organization in the past week after being removed from the Athletics’ 40-man roster over the weekend. The 28-year-old will head to Triple-A Omaha as organizational depth for Kansas City.

Thomas was just claimed off waivers from the Braves on Thursday. He loses his 40-man roster spot to Ben Bowden, and he’ll have the option to become a free agent if he clears waivers.

Thomas, who wore 11 runs against the Mets this past Monday to save the Braves bullpen, may wind up in Triple-A Las Vegas by the time this transaction is over.

Thomas earns a trip back to the minors after being forced to wear it against the Mets on Monday night due to Atlanta’s relief shortage. He was torched for 11 runs over 2 2/3 innings of work. It’s probably going to be a while before he gets another look in the big leagues.

Thomas rejoins Atlanta’s relief mix for the second time this season after allowing four runs over 3 2/3 innings against the Pirates back on July 7. The 28-year-old was a notable pitching prospect with the Cardinals earlier this decade before injuries derailed his promising trajectory.

Atlanta just continues to shuffle their bullpen. Thomas allowed four runs on five hits in 3 2/3 innings on Tuesday, so the team will send him down to bring up another fresh arm.

Thomas has not pitched in the majors since he was shellacked for 12 runs in 5 1/3 innings (20.25 ERA) for Milwaukee in 2025. The 28-year-old will be a multi-inning option for Atlanta while he’s with the club, but isn’t likely to see many chances for wins or saves.

Thomas was lit up for 12 runs over 5 1/3 innings over a pair of relief appearances for the Brewers back in April before undergoing season-ending elbow surgery, which will keep him out until midway through next season. The 27-year-old pitching prospect represents a low-risk depth addition for Atlanta as organizational relief depth.

A Rule 5 pick from the Cardinals organization, Thomas would typically be offered back to his old team after clearing waivers. However, Thomas had already cleared waivers once as a member of the Cardinals, meaning he can become a free agent, which is what he has chosen to do. Thomas, 27, gave up 12 earned runs in 5 1/3 innings for the Brewers in April before eventually undergoing elbow surgery in July. He’s expected to be sidelined into the middle of 2026.