Dodgers land Mexican‑American outfielder Alek Thomas in trade with Diamondbacks

The Los Angeles Dodgers have added a familiar name with Mexican roots to their outfield mix. On Tuesday, the team acquired Alek Thomas from the Arizona Diamondbacks — just days after Arizona designated him for assignment following a rough start to the 2026 season.

The move sends Thomas to one of MLB’s most high‑profile franchises and, notably, to a direct rival within the NL West. In exchange, the D‑backs received José Requena, a 17‑year‑old Venezuelan prospect.

From top prospect to a fresh start in L.A.

Thomas, 26, spent five seasons in the Diamondbacks organization after being selected in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft. His speed, defense, and athleticism quickly made him one of Arizona’s most exciting young talents, even earning him spots on MLB’s top‑prospect lists before he reached the majors.

But his bat never fully developed in Arizona. This season, Thomas was hitting .181 with two home runs and 10 RBIs across 28 games before being designated for assignment — a move that opened the door for the Dodgers to pounce.

A player with deep ties to Mexico

Beyond his MLB résumé, Thomas has built a strong connection with Mexican baseball. He represented Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, becoming part of a generation that helped elevate the national team’s profile on the international stage.

That background makes his arrival in Los Angeles especially meaningful. The Dodgers have long been intertwined with the city’s Mexican and Latino communities, and Thomas’ presence adds another layer to that bond.

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