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The Arizona Diamondbacks designated outfielder Alek Thomas for assignment, a decision explained by GM Mike Hazen as both strategic and emotional.
Sep 12, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas (5) walks to the dugout after striking out to Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez (49) in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ decision to designate outfielder Alek Thomas for assignment was as strategic as it was emotional, and general manager Mike Hazen explained why.
Jul 28, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas (5) hits a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers in the eighth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The Diamondbacks fan base was stunned when the club announced the longtime center fielder had been DFA’d. While the move surprised some, others believed it made sense after weeks of inconsistency at the plate.
Thomas struggled to keep his offense consistent with his defense, posting a .181 batting average and a .563 OPS. Over the course of his MLB career, he has shown promise of a breakout, but he has not produced enough to secure an everyday role.
The Diamondbacks designated Alek Thomas for assignment due to a combination of strategic considerations and emotional factors, as explained by GM Mike Hazen.
Designating a player for assignment allows a team to remove them from the 40-man roster, giving them a chance to trade or release the player.
Alek Thomas's DFA opens up a roster spot for the Diamondbacks, allowing them to potentially add another player or make strategic adjustments.
Alek Thomas is an outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, known for his recent performance, including a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers.

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Arizona Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen introduces new starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez during a news conference at Chase Field on Dec. 12, 2023. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Rather than sending him back to Triple-A with one option remaining on his contract, Arizona chose the DFA route to expose him to waivers and the possibility another club could claim him. Hazen said the process forces a level of accountability and clarity for both the player and organization.
“If I option you and you’ve gotten no exposure to 29 other teams, you can say that the Diamondbacks are holding me in Triple-A, but some other team would take me,” Hazen said to PHNX Diamondbacks. “That argument gets taken off the table if he gets through waivers.”
The general manager also confirmed the team has received calls expressing interest in Thomas, who must clear waivers within seven days to remain in Arizona’s organization.
The move hits both the fan base and clubhouse hard because Thomas became one of the organization’s most recognizable homegrown players. Thomas, who made his debut with the Snakes in 2022 after being drafted in 2018, was a former top prospect who worked his way through the system and appeared to be a player who could become a cornerstone.
Jul 10, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas (5) hits a double during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
He also created some of the franchise’s most iconic moments during Arizona’s 2023 postseason run, including a game-tying two-run homer against the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLCS. They would go on to win the game and series to punch their ticket to the World Series.
Those contributions are what fans will remember most if Thomas’ time in Arizona comes to an end. But as the club battles inconsistency after losing seven of its last eight games, the D-Backs are searching for production rather than nostalgia as they try to climb back into the National League West race.