It is not often that we have trade between division rivals. But on Tuesday, May 12th, we got this as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks came together and worked out a deal. The Dodgers are acquiring Alek Thomas in exchange for 17-year-old outfield prospect Jose Requena. This is a low-risk, high-reward move for Los Angeles. Thomas has struggled the past few seasons and was recently DFA by the Diamondbacks. The hope is that a change of scenery can unlock something in Thomas and turn him into a more productive player. But will the Dodgers be able to unlock something in Thomas?
Can the Dodgers turn Alek Thomas’ Career Around?
Before he made his major league debut, there was a lot of hype surrounding Thomas. He was drafted in the second round of the 2018 draft and was the number one prospect in the Diamondback system before the 2022 season, according to MLB Pipeline. He was ahead of guys like Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo, and Ryne Nelson. He made himself a household name during the Diamondbacks’ run to the NL Pennant in 2023. He had several big hits, including the game-tying home run in Game 4 of the NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies.
But outside of those few bright moments, Thomas has struggled in his five major league seasons. He has a career slashline of .230/.273/.340 with 37 home runs, 143 RBIs, 322 strikeouts to 72 walks, and a 75 OPS+. A far cry from the prospect who had a 60 hit grade and a 55 power grade in the minors. In 2026, he has put up some of the worst numbers of his career. In 28 games, he has slashed .181/.222/.340 with two home runs, 10 RBIs, 23 strikeouts to three walks, and an OPS+ of 56.
Although it is unknown at this time, many expect him to be sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City. He is going to serve as organizational depth. Someone the Dodgers can call up if one of their other starting outfielders goes down. But sending him to the minors might help his confidence. Being in a less pressured environment might allow Thomas to relax and make the necessary adjustments needed. If he can make these adjustments and find some success at the plate, he could find more consistency at the major league level.
Now it’s unlikely that Thomas will be able to become an everyday player. While the Dodgers have great player development, Thomas comes across as a Quad-A player. Someone who does great in the minors but just can not translate to the majors. But with him having an Outs Above Average in the 83rd percentile and a sprint speed in the 67th percentile, he can be a solid bench bat. The fourth outfielder who comes in late in games as a pinch runner or for defense. This role can keep him in the majors for years to come.
While this deal seems like a move for depth, it could be the fresh start that Thomas needs. This could be the opportunity he needs to find some MLB success.
