Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Alek Thomas elected free agency following the close of the Triple-A playoffs after winning the Triple-A National Championship MVP award. Thomas, 26, spent the first four full seasons of his MLB career with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but they designated him for assignment towards the beginning of his fifth big league season in May. The Dodgers traded minor leaguer Josue Requena to the Diamondbacks to bring Thomas to the organization, and kept him in the minors until August.
He spent the majority of the season in the minors, but the Dodgers recalled him Aug. 22 after Andy Pages went down with a fractured wrist. He only played seven games with the Dodgers, posting a .513 OPS with three RBIs. The Dodgers sent him back down to Triple-A at the September call-ups, and designated him for assignment shortly after.
He stayed with the organization after clearing waivers, spending the rest of the year with the Oklahoma City Comets in Triple-A. Thomas helped the Comets to their first Triple-A National Championship over the weekend, driving in three runs with a bases loaded double in the 10th inning to secure the win for the team. Thomas was present on the 40-man roster at the beginning of September, meaning he was eligible for a postseason call up, though the Dodgers' organizational depth limited the likelihood of that possibility.
Thomas, through his 448 games with the Diamondbacks, performed at a decent level—but never quite lived up to the hype surrounding him prior to his debut. He posted a .633 OPS during his time with the Diamondbacks, clocking in at an OPS+ of 75. Additionally, he hit 31 homers and logged 143 RBIs.
Most of his value, at least towards the start of his career, came without a bat in his hands. He played 113 games in his rookie season, and graded well above average in both base running and fielding. Those skills, though trended downwards towards the end of his Diamondbacks tenure.
Now a free agent, Thomas will look to join a new squad for the 2027 season as he looks to reestablish himself as a MLB center fielder.
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