Alek Thomas

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #3 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Thomas is the son of White Sox strength coach Allen Thomas and grew up around the game, spending time at Guaranteed Rate Field shagging fly balls and picking the brains of big leaguers. The D-backs drafted Thomas in the second round in 2018 and signed him away from a Texas Christian commitment for $1.2 million. Thomas has rocketed through the system since and climbed from Double-A to Triple-A in 2021 while amassing eye-popping numbers. He set new career highs in doubles (29), home runs (18), RBIs (59) and OPS (.953), all in his age-21 season at the minors’ highest levels.
  
  Scouting Report: Thomas’ career .312/.388/.495 batting line supports the notion of him being a pure hitter. He has quick, strong hands and that allows him to manipulate the barrel. He isn’t physically imposing but he regularly hits balls hard. Though the D-backs say he has tightened up his approach, Thomas remains an aggressive hitter who is looking to swing the bat and do damage. That said, he also owns a solid 10% walk rate in his career. Thomas’ swing has a lot of moving parts, including a pronounced leg kick. Defensively, Thomas uses his plus speed to cover wide swaths of ground in center field and gets good reads off the bat to project as a plus defender. His fringe-average arm is somewhat limiting but is fine in center.
  
  The Future: Thomas is expected to come to big league camp pushing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Whether it’s right away or not, he figures to impact the big league team at some point early in 2022.
  
• 
  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #5 prospect in 2021
  Hitting: 60. Power: 45. Running: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 45.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Thomas’ father Allen is a former minor league outfielder who has spent the past 17 years as the strength and conditioning coach for the White Sox. The younger Thomas was drafted by the D-backs in the second round in 2018 and hit his way up to high Class A in his first full season. He spent the 2020 season at the alternate training site and held his own against upper-level pitchers.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Thomas packs a punch despite his undersized, 5-foot-11 frame. He has a lot going on in his swing with busy hands, a pronounced leg kick and an aggressive weight transfer, but he manages to get on time. Thomas can generate loud contact that yields extra bases, and he uses his plus speed to take the extra 90 feet. He has a chance to grow into double-digit home run power, but most of his impact will be felt in the form of doubles and triples. He has an aggressive approach but has taken steps to become more selective. In an organization filled with talented defensive outfielders, Thomas is regarded as the best of the group and a potential plus defender in center field, though his arm is a tick below-average.
  
  THE FUTURE: Thomas is expected to push his way to Double-A to start 2021. His game calls to mind Adam Eaton, Brett Gardner and other smaller, impactful outfielders.
• 
  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #4 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Thomas, the son of White Sox strength coach Allen Thomas, performed well in the low Class A Midwest League in his first full season as a pro and mostly held his own at high Class A Visalia after an August promotion. Fast, instinctual and with a nose for hitting, Thomas capped his season with a walk-off RBI double to give Visalia the California League championship.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Thomas has a lot of moving parts with his swing, including a big leg kick and active hands before he loads. But he consistently manages to be in the right position and on time when he swings, and he is able to generate hard line drives on all types of pitches. He has an aggressive approach that will lead to strikeouts, but he will also take a walk. Thomas surprises with the power he generates from his undersized frame, but how that will translate in the majors remains a question among scouts, most of whom project 12-15 home run totals. He is a plus runner who could steal 20-plus bases. Thomas gets good reads and will have no trouble sticking in center field. His arm is improving but remains below-average.
  
  THE FUTURE: Scouts love the way Thomas plays and compare him with Adam Eaton and Jon Jay. He will likely open 2020 back in Visalia.
• 
  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #8 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: The son of White Sox strength coach Allen Thomas, Alek bypassed a commitment to Texas Christian to sign with the Diamondbacks for $1.2 million as the 63rd overall pick. He quickly won over fans inside and outside the organization with his athleticism, aggressiveness and ability to hit at his first two stops as a pro.
  
  Scouting Report: Thomas is undersized--he's generously listed at 5-foot-11--but has a strong build and is likely one of the best pure athletes in the system. His swing can get long and he might need to tone down some aspects of it, but he has an innate ability to find the barrel. Projections on his power were mixed but some believe he could eventually reach 10-15 home runs. Scouts believe he should stick in center field, where he has above-average range. His arm is fringe-average at best. He's a good runner with solid instincts on the bases, though he needs to work on his basestealing.
  
  The Future: Thomas' size might have been the biggest reason he wasn't drafted higher. It's the main reason some scouts are reluctant to build in too much projection in his game. That said, those who really like him draw comparisons with Adam Eaton, Brett Gardner and Ender Inciarte. Thomas has a chance to open 2019 with low Class A Kane County.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #57 prospect in 2018 draft
  Thomas, the son of White Sox strength coach Allen Thomas, is a three-sport star who is committed to Texas Christian to play both baseball and football. He is an elite all-around athlete, but his professional future is on the diamond and he was the leading hitter for USA Baseball's gold-medal winning 18U National Team at last fall's World Cup. Listed at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, Thomas is well built and a well above-average runner. He produces above-average bat speed and has surprising power for a player his size, but his game is built more around his speed and ability to hit. He has the potential to be a plus hitter and makes good in-game adjustments, with a history of barreling up big-time velocity during the summer showcase circuit. Thomas' speed plays well in the outfield and he covers ground well in center field, but his arm is below-average and could be his worst tool. One of the best athletes in the class with a chance to hit and play a solid center field, Thomas could be among the first prep outfielders selected in June. There are teams and evaluators who question his future impact, however, and some aren't sure how much better they can project him.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Pacific Coast League #5 prospect in 2021
  Thomas received a promotion to Triple-A in mid August and tore up the league over the final six weeks. His .369 batting average and 1.091 OPS were both second-highest in the league from the time he joined. While Thomas' numbers were aided by the high elevation of Reno, he still showed promising traits even in that context. He demonstrated a balanced, confident approach, used his hands well in his swing and drove the ball from line-to-line. He barreled both fastballs and breaking balls and used his plus-plus speed to fly around the bases. “He’s obviously super fast," Salt Lake manager Lou Marson said. "He kind of hits balls on the ground and runs. With his speed, that might work for him.” Thomas’ home run spike was a product of Reno, but he should continue to rack up extra-base hits with his speed and contact skills. He is a smooth, rangy defender in center field who projects to stay at the position.
• 
  Ranked Texas League #4 prospect in 2021
  Thomas is the type of player who puts a clubbie to work. He gets a lot of dirt and grass stains on his uniform thanks to an aggressive, hard-nosed approach. A lefthanded hitter, Thomas has never had much trouble facing southpaws. Righthanders actually gave him a little more trouble, but he should be a pesky at-bat for pitchers as he advances, thanks to a solid approach and enough power to do some damage if a pitcher makes a mistake. Thomas could be an Adam Eaton type of player in the majors one day. He’s capable of playing center field, but like Eaton he may end up as a plus defender in the corners. His ability to hit for average, spray doubles around the outfield and get on base should make him an MLB asset.
• 
  Ranked Midwest League #9 prospect in 2019
  Thomas’ athleticism stood out even in a league full of prodigious talents, and his well-rounded profile demanded attention. Scouts used the word “gamer” when describing him. “He’s an elite athlete and the fast-twitch (actions) is off the charts,” a scout said. “To see him run down balls in the outfield, he makes playing center field look easy. Looks like he’s shagging BP some of the plays he’s made.” At 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, Thomas is viewed as slightly undersized, but his ability to muscle the ball overshadows that. “He gets plus jumps on the bases and doesn’t look overmatched at the plate,” a scout said. “He has a very good ability to get his body in position to hit, and the ball jumps off his bat.”
• 
  Ranked Arizona Complex League #15 prospect in 2018
  The son of a Chicago White Sox strength coach, Thomas could have gone to TCU to play both baseball and football but instead chose the professional path after getting a $1.2 million bonus from Arizona. He quickly became a favorite with AZL observers for his gritty, gamer profile. While he's not physically big and won't likely be a consistent home run threat, Thomas showed surprising pop with a nice level compact stroke. He has a high motor and is an above-average to plus runner. Thomas should be able to stay in center field, but his plus speed and average arm will allow him to handle all three positions in a fourth outfielder role. While not the flashy type, Thomas is the type of player whose baseball instincts and gritty demeanor will have him playing above his tools.
• 
  Ranked Pioneer League #9 prospect in 2018
  Thomas didn’t miss a beat after moving from the Rookie-level Arizona League to Missoula, again becoming a favorite of both scouts and rival managers with an all-out, intelligent approach to the game. A grinder who gets the most out of his tools, Thomas is a plus runner with a compact swing that is geared to generating plenty of hard contact. Thomas is an aggressive runner with good instincts on the bases, and he could get to average power as his body matures. With his speed and average arm, Thomas should be able to handle all three outfield positions. He has the floor of a solid fourth outfielder, but with his hitting ability such a role might be selling him short. “His maturity level is that of a college kid,” farm director Mike Bell said. “When you talk with him, you’d think he spent at least a couple of years at college, and he hasn’t.”

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #32 prospect in 2022
• Ranked Baseball America's #94 prospect in 2021
• Ranked Baseball America's #87 prospect in 2020

• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Thomas is the son of White Sox strength coach Allen Thomas and grew up around the game, spending time at Guaranteed Rate Field shagging fly balls and picking the brains of big leaguers. The D-backs drafted Thomas in the second round in 2018 and signed him away from a Texas Christian commitment for $1.2 million. Thomas has rocketed through the system since and climbed from Double-A to Triple-A in 2021 while amassing eye-popping numbers. He set new career highs in doubles (29), home runs (18), RBIs (59) and OPS (.953), all in his age-21 season at the minors’ highest levels.
  
  Scouting Report: Thomas’ career .312/.388/.495 batting line supports the notion of him being a pure hitter. He has quick, strong hands and that allows him to manipulate the barrel. He isn’t physically imposing but he regularly hits balls hard. Though the D-backs say he has tightened up his approach, Thomas remains an aggressive hitter who is looking to swing the bat and do damage. That said, he also owns a solid 10% walk rate in his career. Thomas’ swing has a lot of moving parts, including a pronounced leg kick. Defensively, Thomas uses his plus speed to cover wide swaths of ground in center field and gets good reads off the bat to project as a plus defender. His fringe-average arm is somewhat limiting but is fine in center.
  
  The Future: Thomas is expected to come to big league camp pushing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Whether it’s right away or not, he figures to impact the big league team at some point early in 2022.
  
• October, 2021 Scouting Report
  Thomas is the type of player who puts a clubbie to work. He gets a lot of dirt and grass stains on his uniform thanks to an aggressive, hard-nosed approach. A lefthanded hitter, Thomas has never had much trouble facing southpaws. Righthanders actually gave him a little more trouble, but he should be a pesky at-bat for pitchers as he advances, thanks to a solid approach and enough power to do some damage if a pitcher makes a mistake. Thomas could be an Adam Eaton type of player in the majors one day. He’s capable of playing center field, but like Eaton he may end up as a plus defender in the corners. His ability to hit for average, spray doubles around the outfield and get on base should make him an MLB asset.
• October, 2021 Scouting Report
  Thomas received a promotion to Triple-A in mid August and tore up the league over the final six weeks. His .369 batting average and 1.091 OPS were both second-highest in the league from the time he joined. While Thomas' numbers were aided by the high elevation of Reno, he still showed promising traits even in that context. He demonstrated a balanced, confident approach, used his hands well in his swing and drove the ball from line-to-line. He barreled both fastballs and breaking balls and used his plus-plus speed to fly around the bases. “He’s obviously super fast," Salt Lake manager Lou Marson said. "He kind of hits balls on the ground and runs. With his speed, that might work for him.” Thomas’ home run spike was a product of Reno, but he should continue to rack up extra-base hits with his speed and contact skills. He is a smooth, rangy defender in center field who projects to stay at the position.
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 60. Power: 45. Running: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 45.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Thomas' father Allen is a former minor league outfielder who has spent the past 17 years as the strength and conditioning coach for the White Sox. The younger Thomas was drafted by the D-backs in the second round in 2018 and hit his way up to high Class A in his first full season. He spent the 2020 season at the alternate training site and held his own against upper-level pitchers.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Thomas packs a punch despite his undersized, 5-foot-11 frame. He has a lot going on in his swing with busy hands, a pronounced leg kick and an aggressive weight transfer, but he manages to get on time. Thomas can generate loud contact that yields extra bases, and he uses his plus speed to take the extra 90 feet. He has a chance to grow into double-digit home run power, but most of his impact will be felt in the form of doubles and triples. He has an aggressive approach but has taken steps to become more selective. In an organization filled with talented defensive outfielders, Thomas is regarded as the best of the group and a potential plus defender in center field, though his arm is a tick below-average.
  
  THE FUTURE: Thomas is expected to push his way to Double-A to start 2021. His game calls to mind Adam Eaton, Brett Gardner and other smaller, impactful outfielders.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 60. Power: 45. Running: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 45.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Thomas’ father Allen is a former minor league outfielder who has spent the past 17 years as the strength and conditioning coach for the White Sox. The younger Thomas was drafted by the D-backs in the second round in 2018 and hit his way up to high Class A in his first full season. He spent the 2020 season at the alternate training site and held his own against upper-level pitchers.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Thomas packs a punch despite his undersized, 5-foot-11 frame. He has a lot going on in his swing with busy hands, a pronounced leg kick and an aggressive weight transfer, but he manages to get on time. Thomas can generate loud contact that yields extra bases, and he uses his plus speed to take the extra 90 feet. He has a chance to grow into double-digit home run power, but most of his impact will be felt in the form of doubles and triples. He has an aggressive approach but has taken steps to become more selective. In an organization filled with talented defensive outfielders, Thomas is regarded as the best of the group and a potential plus defender in center field, though his arm is a tick below-average.
  
  THE FUTURE: Thomas is expected to push his way to Double-A to start 2021. His game calls to mind Adam Eaton, Brett Gardner and other smaller, impactful outfielders.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 60. Power: 45. Running: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 45.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Thomas’ father Allen is a former minor league outfielder who has spent the past 17 years as the strength and conditioning coach for the White Sox. The younger Thomas was drafted by the D-backs in the second round in 2018 and hit his way up to high Class A in his first full season. He spent the 2020 season at the alternate training site and held his own against upper-level pitchers.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Thomas packs a punch despite his undersized, 5-foot-11 frame. He has a lot going on in his swing with busy hands, a pronounced leg kick and an aggressive weight transfer, but he manages to get on time. Thomas can generate loud contact that yields extra bases, and he uses his plus speed to take the extra 90 feet. He has a chance to grow into double-digit home run power, but most of his impact will be felt in the form of doubles and triples. He has an aggressive approach but has taken steps to become more selective. In an organization filled with talented defensive outfielders, Thomas is regarded as the best of the group and a potential plus defender in center field, though his arm is a tick below-average.
  
  THE FUTURE: Thomas is expected to push his way to Double-A to start 2021. His game calls to mind Adam Eaton, Brett Gardner and other smaller, impactful outfielders.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Thomas, the son of White Sox strength coach Allen Thomas, performed well in the low Class A Midwest League in his first full season as a pro and mostly held his own at high Class A Visalia after an August promotion. Fast, instinctual and with a nose for hitting, Thomas capped his season with a walk-off RBI double to give Visalia the California League championship.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Thomas has a lot of moving parts with his swing, including a big leg kick and active hands before he loads. But he consistently manages to be in the right position and on time when he swings, and he is able to generate hard line drives on all types of pitches. He has an aggressive approach that will lead to strikeouts, but he will also take a walk. Thomas surprises with the power he generates from his undersized frame, but how that will translate in the majors remains a question among scouts, most of whom project 12-15 home run totals. He is a plus runner who could steal 20-plus bases. Thomas gets good reads and will have no trouble sticking in center field. His arm is improving but remains below-average.
  
  THE FUTURE: Scouts love the way Thomas plays and compare him with Adam Eaton and Jon Jay. He will likely open 2020 back in Visalia.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Thomas, the son of White Sox strength coach Allen Thomas, performed well in the low Class A Midwest League in his first full season as a pro and mostly held his own at high Class A Visalia after an August promotion. Fast, instinctual and with a nose for hitting, Thomas capped his season with a walk-off RBI double to give Visalia the California League championship.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Thomas has a lot of moving parts with his swing, including a big leg kick and active hands before he loads. But he consistently manages to be in the right position and on time when he swings, and he is able to generate hard line drives on all types of pitches. He has an aggressive approach that will lead to strikeouts, but he will also take a walk. Thomas surprises with the power he generates from his undersized frame, but how that will translate in the majors remains a question among scouts, most of whom project 12-15 home run totals. He is a plus runner who could steal 20-plus bases. Thomas gets good reads and will have no trouble sticking in center field. His arm is improving but remains below-average.
  
  THE FUTURE: Scouts love the way Thomas plays and compare him with Adam Eaton and Jon Jay. He will likely open 2020 back in Visalia.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  Thomas’ athleticism stood out even in a league full of prodigious talents, and his well-rounded profile demanded attention. Scouts used the word “gamer” when describing him. “He’s an elite athlete and the fast-twitch (actions) is off the charts,” a scout said. “To see him run down balls in the outfield, he makes playing center field look easy. Looks like he’s shagging BP some of the plays he’s made.” At 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, Thomas is viewed as slightly undersized, but his ability to muscle the ball overshadows that. “He gets plus jumps on the bases and doesn’t look overmatched at the plate,” a scout said. “He has a very good ability to get his body in position to hit, and the ball jumps off his bat.”