Dodgers lose valuable outfield depth after shrewd small-time trade with Diamondbacks

In the grand scheme of things, the Los Angeles Dodgers made several moves that were much more impactful than the trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks that brought outfielder Alek Thomas into the organization. With that said, it was a brilliant process.

The Dodgers took advantage of a rival's roster glut, plucking away a 26-year-old with potential back in May. They didn't need him right away, but getting a guy who entered 2026 with 420 games of big league experience and getting to stash him in Oklahoma City for a rainy day was very shrewd.

That rainy day came in late August when Andy Pages went on the IL with a fractured hand after being hit by a pitch. Thomas only played seven games for Los Angeles before a roster crunch sent him back to Triple-A, and while the numbers, .211/.250/.263, weren't overwhelming, he did start his Dodgers career with an RBI in each of his first three games.

Thomas was a second-round pick back in 2018, and though his bat has never taken off with a career line of .230/.273/.360, he's proven for much of his career that he can play above-average defense in center field.

The former Arizona top prospect hit like a star in Oklahoma City. Thomas played 68 games down there, slashing .305/.378/.537 with 11 homers and eight steals.

That sizzling showing likely motivated Thomas' decision to elect free agency. By outrighting him to the minor leagues at the beginning of September, Los Angeles lost its ability to control his future unless he was added back to the big league roster.

Alek Thomas got caught in a numbers game, but his departure still stings for the Dodgers

The way Thomas hit in Triple-A likely influenced his decision. It surely made other teams take note of his performance and be more willing to give him a shot at a big league job.

For the Dodgers, any time you lose quality depth, it hurts. While there's a chance that Los Angeles could make a play to re-sign him, it's unlikely that Thomas would want to return.

While the outfield was a weak point for the Dodgers this season, there's not a lot of flexibility there. Pages isn't going anywhere. Kyle Tucker was bad, with the exception of his October performance, but his hefty contract ensures that he stays put. Teoscar Hernandez is on the books for one more year. Most importantly, Josue De Paula is chomping at the bit to carve out his role.

With LA, there's no reasonable path to regular playing time in the majors for Thomas. As he is still so young, another, needier club will surely give him a look, and choosing a landing spot with fewer barriers is the best way for him to continue his career.

It was fun while it lasted, and we can only hope that the Dodgers continue to be on the prowl for savvy pickups like Thomas was moving forward.

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