The Arizona Diamondbacks have scuffled to a 17-19 record in 2026.
After going 3-7 in their last 10 games, general manager Mike Hazen figured a change was needed in the batting order.
According to Arizona’s social media page, the Diamondbacks have called up outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt, designating outfielder Alek Thomas for assignment. Arizona has also reinstated infielder Tyler Locklear from the injured list and optioned him to Triple-A.
Waldschmidt is Arizona’s top prospect in their farm system, and No. 49 overall.
He will likely bring a boost to the Diamondbacks, who clearly need a spark in their lineup.
According to Arizona Sports insider John Gambadoro, the Diamondbacks will attempt to trade Thomas and will likely clear waivers if a suitor is not found.
Thomas was a former second-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, but struggled in the majors with a .634 OPS in 448 games.
Thomas will be remembered best for his playoff performance in Arizona’s 2023 playoff run. He would hit four home runs in 17 games.
Thomas had struggled immensely to start 2026 with a .181/.222/.340 slash line in 28 games, including recording one hit in his last 19 at-bats.
What Will Waldschmidt Bring to the Arizona Diamondbacks?
The Diamondbacks selected Waldschmidt in the first round (No. 31 overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of the University of Kentucky. Waldschmidt only slid that far because of an ACL tear.
In 2025, his first full year in Arizona’s system, Waldschmidt had a .289/.419/.473 slash line with 18 home runs and 29 stolen bases between High-A and Double-A.
Going into 2026, Waldschmidt was the No. 59 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. In 34 Triple-A games to start 2026, he had a nearly identical slash line, resulting in his promotion.
Just 23, Waldschmidt possesses solid to above-average tools across the board.
He hits for a high average, with solid power. What separates him from other prospects, however, is his ability not to expand the zone.
In both his minor league stops in 2025, he had walk rates above 15%.
With his knee fully healed, Waldschmidt should be more of a free-runner, as he possesses above-average speed. This was evident with his base-stealing in 2025.
But where do you fit him on a team already experiencing a roster crunch?
How Does Waldschmidt Fit on the Team?
While originally expected to be a left fielder at the next level, Waldschmidt proved he can play a solid center field in 2025.
This is good for Arizona because left field is already occupied by Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
With the departure of Thomas, this creates an opportunity for more playing time for Waldschmidt.
While Waldschmidt, as a right-handed batter, naturally hits left-handed pitchers better, he still maintains solid numbers against right-handers.
It appears that Waldschmidt will get the bulk of at-bats in center field. This likely moves a struggling Jorge Barrosa to a bench role with the team. Tim Tawa might also get some at-bats in center field.
However, when utility player Jordan Lawlar makes his way back from injury, he could take some at-bats away from Waldschmidt, depending on his early performance.
According to Gambadoro, Waldschmidt will not play on Friday, as he played last night in Triple-A Reno, but should play Saturday.
Diamondbacks Call Up Top Prospect