Rhylan Thomas: Everything you need to know

The Astros claimed Thomas off waivers from the Mariners on Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Sugar Land. Thomas was DFA'd by Seattle on Sunday after slashing .260/.313/.328 with two homers, nine RBI and 15 runs scored through 31 games in Triple-A. He'll remain in the minors to begin his time with the Astros, though his addition to the 40-man roster will make it easier for him to return to the majors at some point. Hunter Brown (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day IL in a corresponding move.

The Mariners designated Thomas for assignment Sunday. Thomas had been part of Seattle's 40-man roster for just over a year but has made just three appearances at the big-league level. He's played exclusively at Triple-A Tacoma thus far in 2026, slashing .260/.313/.328 over 144 plate appearances. Given that he's already 26 years old and producing at a below-league-average level (67 wRC+) at Triple-A, Thomas is a good bet to go unclaimed off waivers.

The Mariners optioned Thomas to Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday. Thomas did everything he could to claim a spot on Seattle's Opening Day roster, slashing .486/.535/.784 with two homers, eight RBI and six runs scored over 43 plate appearances, but he will instead head back to Tacoma to begin 2026. The 25-year-old outfielder has batted .327 and stolen 45 bases across 181 Triple-A games since joining the Mariners organization in 2024, but Seattle's crowded outfield corps will likely make it hard for him to find playing time in the majors.