On Tuesday morning, the Arizona Diamondbacks made a largely unprecedented move, trading center fielder Alek Thomas to their division rival Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for 17-year-old outfield prospect Jose Requena.

That came in the wake of the prior decision to DFA Thomas in favor of top prospect and outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt , despite Thomas still having a minor league option.

Trades between divisional foes are generally rarer in nature to begin with, but D-backs GM Mike Hazen had nearly no history of doing so. The only prior trade made with Los Angeles during Hazen's tenure came in 2018, as Arizona dealt right-handed pitcher Tyler Pill in exchange for cash considerations.

So, why did the D-backs opt to trade Thomas to the Dodgers?

Why the Diamondbacks traded Alek Thomas to the Dodgers

Apr 10, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas (5) reacts after scoring against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park.…