The Texas Rangers formally announced that they agreed to a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to major-league spring training with free-agent outfielder Cody Thomas this week. Thomas, 30, was drafted in the 13th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of the University of Oklahoma. The left-handed hitter made his debut in 2022 with the Oakland Athletics and has gone 18-for-72 (.250) with a homer, two RBI and two runs scored in just 29 games played over two big-league seasons. Thomas spent the 2024 season playing for the Orix Buffaloes of the Japan Western League and hit .242 with two long balls and 19 RBI in 89 games played. In seven minor-league seasons, he has slashed .265/.336/.505 with an .841 OPS and 123 homers in 619 games played. Thomas will likely start 2025 at Triple-A Round Rock as outfield depth.
Oakland Athletics outfielder Cody Thomas made his major league debut on Thursday in the 7-5 loss to the Washington Nationals and finished 1-for-2 in the contest. Thomas was brought up from Triple-A Las Vegas with rosters expanding on Thursday. He was pulled early for a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning. The 27-year-old is finally getting his first chance in the major leagues after being in the minor leagues the last five years. Thomas played in only four games for Las Vegas, going 4-for-15 (.267) with a homer, five RBI and three runs scored, before his call-up Thursday. The left-handed hitter slugged 18 home runs and drove in 52 in 59 games at Las Vegas and he could get an extended look for the rebuilding A's down the stretch.