Dodgers acquire struggling outfielder Alek Thomas from Diamondbacks

The Los Angeles Dodgers outfield depth will get a little stronger on Tuesday, as they acquired outfielder Alek Thomas from the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to MLB Trade Rumors' Steve Adams. To make room for Thomas on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers announced that they designated outfielder Michael Siani for assignment. 

Infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman (recovery from right ankle surgery) is not expected back until June, while infielder/outfielder Enrique Hernandez (recovery from left elbow surgery) is expected back later this month as he is currently on a rehab assignment. 

Thomas has not played right field or left field while in the major leagues, but could be asked to shift over to right field during some games, as right fielder Kyle Tucker continues to find his swing.

According to BBWAA member Francys Romero, outfielder Jose Requena is going back to the Diamondbacks in exchange for Thomas. Requena, 17, was signed by the Dodgers to a minor league contract in January 2025 with a bonus of $372,500. Requena has not appeared in a professional game at all this season. 

The Diamondbacks designated Thomas for assignment on May 8 to call up their top prospect, outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt. Waldschmidt had been raking at Triple-A Reno, batting .289 with a .877 OPS, nine doubles, three triples and three home runs in 34 games. 

A fresh start with the Dodgers could help Alek Thomas turn his career around

In five seasons in the major leagues, Thomas has proven to be underwhelming at the plate, but has provided Gold Glove-level defense in the outfield. In 448 games with the Diamondbacks, Thomas has hit .230 with a .634 OPS, while playing to two defensive runs saved in his career in center field (431 games) and 10 defensive runs saved this season (28 games). 

Despite his defensive abilities, Thomas's failure to develop his bat ultimately cost him his job. Now with the Dodgers, Thomas could turn his career around. 

Winning back-to-back World Series, the Dodgers are one of the better-run franchises in Major League Baseball. Optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma, Thomas will be the Dodgers' fifth outfielder and a solid backup center fielder for Andy Pages. Pages is putting together an All-Star season, batting .325 with a .922 OPS and nine home runs in 41 games.  

With less pressure on his shoulders, time in the minor leagues could help Thomas get his swing back.