Diamondbacks Make Surprise Trade with Dodgers

The Arizona Diamondbacks have traded center fielder Alek Thomas to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor league outfielder Jose Requena.

The Requena portion of the deal was first seen on the Diamondbacks transaction logs. The team's official release confirmed Requena coming to Arizona in exchange for Thomas. The D-backs 40-man roster is at 38

Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic also reported that the Dodgers are absorbing the remained of Thomas's $1.45 million owed for 2026

Alek Thomas Traded to the Dodgers

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas connects for a double vs Phillies Apr 11, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park — Apr 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas (5) hits a double against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The slumping Thomas was designated for assignment last week to make room for rookie Ryan Waldschmidt on the roster. Thomas was hitting just .181 with three walks and 23 strikesouts through his first 100 PA. For his career he's hit .233/.273/.361, .634 OPS.

General manager Mike Hazen explained the move to DFA Thomas in terms of trying to get more plate discipline into the lineup. He indicated when talking to the media that he was trying to make a trade and several teams had called.

It comes as somewhat of a surprise however that he was traded to the division rival Dodgers. Thomas is the ultimate change of scenery candidate, and the Dodgers have a strong reputation for getting the most out of players.

The specter of Thomas coming back to hurt the Diamondbacks in head to head play might make some fans uncomfortable. Though that is certainly a possibility, Thomas did consistently struggle with a lack of production in Arizona. The D-backs will face the Dodgers for a four-game series at Chase Field June 1 through 4.

Thomas, who still has a minor league option this year, will have that option exercised by the Dodgers according to California Post beat writerJack Harris. If he's promoted to the MLB active roster, he'll likely be a depth piece or fourth outfielder off the bench. The Dodgers have MVP candidate Andy Pages patrolling center field.

Regardless, it's a great opportunity for Thomas to join a winning, playoff-bound organization. Thomas is most famous in Arizona for his pivotal home run against the Phillies in the 2023 NLCS. There could possibly be more "rides of his life" coming if the Dodgers can help him figure things out.

Jose Requena, Outfield Prospect

Little is known about Jose Requena. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, the 17-year-old amateur prospect was signed by the Dodgers on January 15 of this year. He has been assigned to the D-backs DSL Red team and will start his pro career in the Dominican Summer League.

According to Baseball America he is a right-handed batter who stands 6-foot-3 tall and weighs 220 pounds. In their official release the Diamondbacks said he is 6'4", 230 pounds. He has a power over hit tool profile and a strong arm.

Saving $1.45 million is an important considertation for the Diamondbacks. They are close to the luxury tax threshold, somewhere they've never been before. Should they find themselves in a position to add at the trade deadline, that savings could come in handy.

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