© Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
PHOENIX — The MLB offseason is underway and the Arizona Diamondbacks are exploring trades involving one of their young outfielders, Jake McCarthy or Alek Thomas, ahead of the 2026 season.
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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
According to a report from AZCentral’s Nick Piecoro, the team is “likely” to move one of these outfielders, as both are under team control for several more seasons. While each has had strong stretches with the Diamondbacks since reaching the major leagues, neither has been able to sustain success.
While Thomas cemented himself as a Diamondbacks postseason hero with his game-tying two-run home run in the 2023 NLCS, his bat and defense have since faltered.
In his career with Arizona, Thomas is batting .234 with 29 home runs and a .639 OPS. His usually strong defense also took a hit this year, with minus-7 defensive runs saved, a career low, and a fielding run value and outs above average of zero.
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Jake McCarthy (31) reacts to his broken bat single against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field on June 30, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
McCarthy was one of the hottest hitters in the majors midway through the 2024 season, but that streak is now a distant memory. He has a .260 career average with the team, along with 24 home runs and a .705 OPS.
Both players are part of a young and speedy group of outfielders. However, with prospects such as Blaze Alexander, Tim Tawa and Jordan Lawlar also pushing for outfield time next year, there may simply be too many to keep. Trading one or two could give the Diamondbacks what they desperately need: pitching depth.
However, Pierco also reports that both players have very little trading value. The Snakes may not be able to move them and may need to rely on other trades to bring in pitching.
Jun 24, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (left), center fielder Alek Thomas (center) and right fielder Jake McCarthy (right) celebrate after defeating the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Thomas and McCarthy have earned a soft spot in fans’ hearts over the past few seasons, especially during the D-Backs’ 2023 World Series run, when both contributed at various points in the postseason. With rumors also circulating about a possible trade involving All-Star Ketel Marte, Valley fans could soon be introduced to a team that looks completely different from the one they’ve rooted for in recent years.
But business is business and the Diamondbacks won’t shy away from making moves to stay competitive, even if it means giving up fan favorites or proven veterans.
ALEK THOMAS TIES IT! 😱 #NLCS pic.twitter.com/bucXC3XFMz
— MLB (@MLB) October 21, 2023
While nothing is set in stone and the general managers’ meetings have just begun, the team may soon need to decide what it values more: pitching or outfield depth.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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