Diamondbacks Designate Alek Thomas For Assignment, Promote Ryan Waldschmidt
MLB Trade Rumors • • sports
Key Points:
- The Arizona Diamondbacks have designated former top outfield prospect Alek Thomas for assignment and promoted top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt to the major leagues, signaling a shift in their outfield plans.
- Alek Thomas, once a highly ranked prospect, has struggled offensively over four MLB seasons, posting a career .230/.273/.361 line with rising strikeout rates and limited power, leading the team to move on given their offensive needs.
- Ryan Waldschmidt, a 23-year-old with strong minor league performance including a .289/.400/.477 line in Triple-A, is expected to receive regular playing time and could become a long-term fixture in Arizona’s outfield.
- Waldschmidt’s promotion offers the Diamondbacks a controllable player through 2032 with potential Super Two arbitration status, while Thomas is likely to attract interest from teams needing outfield depth due to his speed, defense, and affordable salary.
- The D-backs also activated first baseman Tyler Locklear from the injured list but optioned him to Triple-A Reno, continuing roster adjustments alongside the outfield changes.
