Newly acquired outfielder Alek Thomas has legitimate MLB tools but has struggled to carve out a role in the Majors due to deficiencies at the plate.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are hoping to give Thomas’ career new life, as they have with many players before him, after acquiring the defense-first outfielder from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“Really good defender. Really, really good kid, I like the way he plays,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “We’ve seen him a lot, obviously, from the other side. Not sure what our plans are for him. I know that he has some options.
“So our expectation is that we get him in the organization, do a deep dive on his swing and try to figure out if there’s some things that we can unlock. And then, if the opportunity presents itself to get him up here. But we’ve always liked him and thought very well of him.”
While the Dodgers attempt to work their magic on Thomas’ swing, his approach in the batter’s box is the most pressing issue. The left-hander has a chase rate of 42.5%, which is in the fourth percentile.
The former second-round pick would certainly be a welcome addition to the outfield if the Dodgers can help him figure things out. The 26-year-old is a speedy, Gold Glove-caliber defender in center field, which has the makings of a valuable player if he is ever able to reach league-average offensive production.
Thomas’ best season came last year, when he hit .249/.289/.370 with an 81 wRC+.
So far in 2026, Thomas hit just .181/.222/.340 with nine doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI over 28 games. Thomas has been sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City for now while the Dodgers work with him to figure out how to get the most out of his swing.
Dylan Nasiatka is in his second season as the hitting coach for the Comets following a successful debut season in 2025. He is joined by assistant hitting coach David Dahl.
Alek Thomas trade details
The Dodgers traded outfield prospect Jose Requena to the Diamondbacks in exchange for Thomas. L.A. designated Michael Siani for assignment to make room for him on the 40-man roster.
Thomas had been DFA’d by the Diamondbacks on May 8 in a corresponding move to the team calling up top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt.
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