Full Breakdown
Dodgers Acquire Outfielder Alek Thomas from Diamondbacks in Intra-Division Trade
5/12/2026, 9:36:54 PM
Trade Overview
On May 12, 2026 the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired outfielder Alek Thomas from the Arizona Diamondbacks for 17-year-old prospect Jose Requena. Los Angeles designated Michael Siani for assignment and assumed $1.45 million of Thomas’s salary. He retains one minor-league option.
Background & Context
Thomas, a 2018 second-round pick, debuted in 2022 and rose to Arizona’s top prospect. He hit four homers in the 2023 NLCS and posted a career .230/.273/.361 line. A slump left him at .181/.222/.340 in 28 games before the DFA.
Key Figures
Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen oversaw the DFA and trade. Dodgers GM Andrew Friedman pursued Thomas as defensive depth. Requena, a 17-year-old Venezuelan right-hander, has not yet played professionally. Michael Siani was the roster casualty.
Data & Statistics
Thomas’s 2026 stats are .181/.222/.340 with two homers, ten RBI and four steals in 28 games; career OPS .634, wRC+ 73. He logged 13 Outs Above Average in center field. Requena is a 6-ft-3, 220-lb right-hander described as having a power-over-hit tool.
Official Statements & Responses
Hazen said the DFA was meant to “bring more discipline to the plate” and that trading Thomas could yield “a better version of him when he is down there.” Dodgers officials called the move a low-cost depth addition, noting his defensive versatility and left-handed bat.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts label Thomas “not a good hitter.” His .181 average, .563 OPS, 3 % walk rate and 23 % strikeout rate rank among MLB’s worst, limiting his value to a bench defender.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some reports say Thomas “has a minor-league option remaining,” while others claim he is “out of minor-league options and would need to be DFA’d if added to the active roster.” His 2026 doubles are reported as nine by some outlets and four by others. No comment from manager Dave Roberts was found.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He has no prior outright, so if we end up outrighting him, if we don’t trade or clear his waivers, then I feel like we’ll get a better version of him when he is down there,” — Mike Hazen, Diamondbacks GM
- “I feel like if we just optioned him feeling like he’s buried, sitting down there biding his time until he gets another opportunity, I wasn’t sure that we were going to get the best version.” — Mike Hazen, Diamondbacks GM
- “The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired outfielder Alek Thomas in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team announced on Tuesday.” — Los Angeles Dodgers press release
What's Next
Thomas will report to the Dodgers’ Arizona Complex League team, with a possible assignment to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The clubs meet in a four-game series at Chase Field June 1-4, giving Thomas a chance to face his former team.
