Thomas comes to Wichita by way of the Chicago Dogs, completing the January 10 trade that sent right-handed pitcher Josh Goossen-Brown to Chicago. Thomas spent each of the last two seasons with the St. Paul Saints, establishing himself as one of the best power hitters in the American Association and an incredibly versatile defender. In 2016, the New Orleans native hit .296 with 25 doubles, 13 home runs, and 65 RBI, earning a spot on the All-Star team. Thomas followed up that performance this past season by posting a .287 average with a career-best 18 home runs, snagging a second consecutive All-Star nod. He was traded to the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League at the conclusion of the 2017 regular season, then signed by Chicago on March 26, 2018.

Thomas starred at Florida State University from 2005-2007, earning National Player of the Year honors as a junior for the Seminoles when he hit .430 and led the country in runs, doubles, and total bases. He was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the third round of the 2007 MLB Draft, beginning a four-year run in the Cubs system that reached Double-A Tennessee. Over the course of his 11-year professional career, the 31-year old is a .257 hitter with 124 home runs and 579 RBI.