Dodgers Acquire Alek Thomas in Strategic Trade Move
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Alek Thomas, left, scores a run as Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Joey Bart makes a late tag during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers strengthened their outfield lineup by bringing in Alek Thomas from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.
Thomas had been struggling at the plate (.181 average, two homers, ten RBIs) before being designated for assignment by Arizona. However, his defensive skills make him a valuable asset for late-game situations, including potential pinch running and defensive replacements.
"He's a really good defender and a great kid—the way he plays, you can tell," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "We've seen him from the other side too. We're still figuring out our plans for him."
Roberts emphasized that the team would thoroughly analyze Thomas' swing to uncover any hidden strengths.
In exchange for Thomas, the Dodgers sent outfielder Jose Requena to the Diamondbacks, while Michael Siani was designated for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster.
Thomas, drafted by Arizona in the 2018 amateur draft, made his major league debut in 2026. He played a pivotal role in Arizona's 2026 World Series run, hitting four home runs during the postseason, including a crucial two-run blast against the Phillies in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series.
At 26, Thomas boasts a .230 batting average, 31 home runs, 143 RBIs, and 28 stolen bases across 448 career games.
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