The Arizona Diamondbacks made the decision to trade long-time outfield contributor Alek Thomas to their division rival Los Angeles Dodgers this season. It’s taken him some time, but he’s finally earned a chance to return to the major leagues.
As The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya first reported, the Dodgers are expected to call Thomas up to replace injured outfielder Andy Pages, who suffered a fractured hand during Friday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Former Diamondbacks outfielder gets call from Dodgers
Thomas, still just 26, was in the midst of a brutal major league season for the Diamondbacks. He hit just .181/.222/.340 with two home runs and 23 strikeouts in 28 MLB games.
Thomas had been known as a premier defensive outfielder, though his elite glove wavered in 2025. He appeared to be headed back towards his defensive excellence as 2026 began, but the Diamondbacks ultimately determined they wanted to go in a different direction.
So on May 8, Arizona elected to call up No. 1 prospect and outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt, designating Thomas for assignment in the process. It was a bit of a shock to see the D-backs part with a key member of their roster, and one who had been so instrumental in their return to the World Series back in 2023.
While DFA’d, Thomas was sent to LA in a trade, which brought back outfield prospect Jose Requena. Requena is still just 17 years old, and is hitting .161 in rookie ball for the moment. It will be a long time before this trade can be fully evaluated on Arizona’s part.
Thomas was placed in the minor leagues by the Dodgers, where he got off to a slow start for Triple-A Oklahoma City. But he’s been red-hot in August, slashing .333/.405/.515 with five doubles, two triples and a home run. His season OPS is up to .855, which is good for a 116 wRC+. Even considering the high-octane environment of the Pacific Coast League, he’s been productive this month.
Diamondbacks’ outfield in better shape post-Thomas trade
Barring a revenge tour from Thomas in the majors, the Diamondbacks’ outfield has taken shape in a positive direction since the trade.
Waldschmidt has become a regular contributor, batting .280/.345/.395 with two homers and steadily-improving outfield defense. Jorge Barrosa is Arizona’s elite defensive substitution. Corbin Carroll has begun to heat back up. Tommy Troy is nearing a return from his AC joint sprain.
Thomas will certainly have a chance to prove the Diamondbacks wrong for parting with him, but it would appear Arizona’s decision was more aligned with their future plans.
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