Thomas (foot) signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Royals on Thursday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Injuries limited Thomas to playing in just 39 games with the Guardians in 2025, as he missed time at the start of the year with a wrist issue before plantar fasciitis in his right foot ended his season in July. When the 30-year-old was healthy, he struggled to remain effective, slashing just .160/.246/.272 over 142 plate appearances. Despite his struggles, Thomas should be able to capture a starting job in a Royals outfield that lacks depth following Mike Yastrzemski's departure.

Thomas underwent surgery on his right foot Tuesday and will be sidelined for the next three-to-four months, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The surgery addressed the plantar fasciitis issue Thomas has been dealing with this season. With Thomas sidelined for the next few months, his season is over after just 39 games at the big-league level. The 30-year-old slashed a miserable .160/.246/.272 with four home runs, 11 RBI, 10 runs scored, four stolen bases and a 14:44 BB:K across 142 plate appearances. It's fair to wonder if Thomas was completely healthy for even half of those trips to the plate.

Thomas (foot) will see a specialist after experiencing pain while on his rehab assignment, SI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas was expected to make a start in center field at Double-A Akron on Sunday, but he was scratched due to right foot pain. He'll meet with a specialist at some point this week, at which time the team should have a better idea on when he could make his return from the 10-day injured list. At the very least, this latest mishap will presumably cost Thomas at least a few more days.

Thomas (foot) served as the designated hitter, going 0-for-3 for Double-A Akron on Friday. He was also hit by a pitch.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas, who began a rehab assignment with Akron earlier this week, played a full nine innings for the first time. The Guardians likely want to see him in the field for a full game before entertaining thoughts of activating him. Thomas has been sidelined since July 6 with plantar fasciitis.

Thomas (foot) started in center field and went 0-for-2 with a walk for Double-A Akron on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas, who began a rehab assignment Tuesday as the designated hitter, played his first game in the field. He was removed after five innings, but as the RubberDucks' leadoff batter, Thomas was able to get three plate appearances. He's going to get Thursday off, per Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. The plan is to build up to playing a full nine innings, at which point he could be added to the Guardians roster. Thomas has been out since July 6 with plantar fasciitis.

Thomas (foot) served as the designated hitter and went 0-for-3 for Double-A Akron on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas kicked off a rehab assignment with the RubberDucks on Tuesday and will continue Wednesday, when he's expected to play five innings in the outfield. He's been sidelined by plantar fasciitis since the beginning of July. The Guardians' top affiliates -- Akron and Triple-A Columbus -- both have plenty of games left in the regular season, so Thomas will have plenty of opportunity to build up plate appearances after the long layoff.

Thomas (foot) took on-field batting practice and ran the bases Saturday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas ramped up his activity over the course of last week and is progressing toward a rehab assignment. There's still no timeline for a potential return, but the Guardians remain optimistic Thomas will play at some point in September.

Thomas (foot) took on-field batting practice Monday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas has participated in various baseball activities recently, but the Guardians still have no timetable for his potential return. The club is hopeful for a return at some point in September.

Thomas (foot) is running and performing baseball activities, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Tuesday that Thomas, whose injury the manager described as a "complicated case," is feeling a lot better and progressing well. The outfielder could potentially return early in September.

Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said Monday that Thomas (foot) met with a doctor and has a new rehab plan in place, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vogt described Thomas' plantar fasciitis as a "complicated case," and his return is taking longer than expected as the foot hasn't responded to treatment. The report estimates a potential return to the field in September. In the meantime, Angel Martinez has filled in as the Guardians' primary center fielder.