The Arizona Diamondbacks have traded outfielder Alek Thomas to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a move that sends the former top prospect to one of Arizona’s biggest National League rivals.
The Diamondbacks announced Tuesday that the Dodgers acquired Thomas in exchange for 17-year-old outfield prospect Jose Requena. According to transaction records, Requena is expected to report to Arizona’s Dominican Summer League affiliate as part of the deal.
Thomas, 26, spent five seasons with the Diamondbacks organization after being selected by Arizona in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft. The Tucson-born outfielder was once viewed as one of the franchise’s top young players because of his athleticism, speed, and strong defensive abilities in center field.
Despite flashes of potential, Thomas struggled offensively during portions of his major league career. During the 2026 season, he was batting .181 with two home runs and 10 RBIs through 28 games before Arizona designated him for assignment last week.
Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen previously explained that the organization believed a fresh start might benefit Thomas after his offensive development stalled in Arizona. Hazen said the outfielder worked extensively during the offseason to make mechanical adjustments, but the changes never fully translated consistently at the major league level.
Although Thomas struggled at the plate, he remained highly respected for his defense. Over his career, he developed a reputation as one of the better defensive center fielders in baseball and became known for making difficult catches in the outfield.
Thomas also delivered several memorable moments during Arizona’s 2023 postseason run. He hit four home runs during the playoffs and helped the Diamondbacks advance to the World Series before the team ultimately lost to the Texas Rangers in five games.
The trade now sends Thomas to a Dodgers team that already features a crowded outfield, including players such as Teoscar Hernández and Kyle Tucker. Analysts believe Thomas could initially provide depth, defensive support, and matchup flexibility off the bench while attempting to revive his offensive production.
To make room for Thomas on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated outfielder Michael Siani for assignment.
Requena, the prospect Arizona received in return, is a Venezuelan outfielder who signed with the Dodgers earlier this year. At just 17 years old, he has not yet made his professional baseball debut.
Thomas also carries strong ties to both Arizona and Mexico. In addition to being born in Tucson, he represented Team Mexico during the World Baseball Classic and became popular among many Latino baseball fans throughout the Southwest. His father, Allen Thomas, worked for years as the strength and conditioning coach for the Chicago White Sox organization.
The trade marks the end of a lengthy chapter for a player many Diamondbacks fans once hoped would become a cornerstone piece of Arizona’s future core. Instead, Thomas now heads to the Dodgers as he attempts to restart his career within one of baseball’s most competitive organizations.
Source: ABC15 Arizona
