The Los Angeles Dodgers hold a high reputation when it comes to developing players. Could Alek Thomas, who the club acquired on May 12 from the Diamondbacks, be the next example? 

Thomas has been optioned to Triple-A, but could potentially be called up later this season.

The 26-year-old Thomas serves as a valuable outfield depth piece who could be an elite defender coming off the bench. But his offensive struggles need to be addressed. The lefty is slashing just .181/.222/.340 through 100 plate appearances in 2026, and his career slash of .230/.273/.361 isn't much better.

In a winning environment, Thomas offers a left-handed bat as well as value as a pinch-runner with speed on the basepaths. In 2025, he ranked in the 75th percentile with a sprint speed of 28.3 seconds. 

The move is considered a low-risk, high-reward signing that offers Thomas a change of environment. But it is also a move that mirrors past moves that the Dodgers have made before successfully transforming their new player. 

Max Muncy is a prime example. He was released by the Athletics on March 31, 2017 and signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on April 27. The Dodgers were successful in tweaking his approach while transforming him into an established power hitter. After hitting just five home runs in 96 games across two seasons with the Athletics, Muncy has four 35+ home run seasons in Los Angeles, where he's hit a total of 220 home runs.

How the Dodgers can revive Alek Thomas

Thomas' offensive output needs a major reboot, as his career numbers indicate. Last season, he recorded a high 26% strikeout rate and lacked consistent productive contact with a sweet spot rate of 27.7% (2nd percentile). 

This season, his struggles have continued, posting a .562 OPS with a dismal walk rate of just 3% (3rd percentile). 

The Dodgers will try transform his approach at the plate in hopes he can access his potential as a former top prospect of the Diamondbacks.

Thomas can also function as a late-game defensive replacement, allowing him to contribute in the outfield without feeling pressured behind everyday players like Andy Pages.