HOUSTON — Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas has emerged as one of the top players for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic — with some hoping the performance will translate into the MLB regular season.
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Mar 6, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; Mexico center fielder Alek Thomas (5) slides safely into home to score a run as Great Britain catcher Harry Ford (1) fields a throw during the ninth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Through two games, Thomas has gone 4-for-7 with a home run, five RBIs, three runs scored and a 1.625 OPS. He’s also made an impact defensively, recording an outfield assist.
Mexico manager Benji Gil believes the performance is just a preview of what the Diamondbacks outfielder can become.
“He’s an absolute stud,” Gil said after the team’s 16-0 win over Team Brazil on Monday. “He’s about to have a breakout year. I think he’s going to become a perennial All-Star, a Gold Glove candidate every single year.”
Mar 8, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; Mexico center fielder Alek Thomas (5) hits a two-run home run against Brazil in the sixth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Thomas’ early numbers showcase the all-around impact the Diamondbacks have envisioned. Even in the six games he played in Arizona before the tournament, Thomas was batting .375 with a 1.069 OPS — another small sample size of what he could bring this season.
The Arizona outfielder has always been known for his speed and defensive ability, but his bat struggled to catch up following the 2023 season, when key at-bats helped lead the Diamondbacks to a World Series run.
Mar 8, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; Mexico center fielder Alek Thomas (5) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against Brazil pitcher Joao Gabriel Marostica (0) (not pictured) in the sixth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
With the absence of a leg kick and more confidence at the plate — combined with his other proven strengths — Thomas’ bat may be the difference between being a solid everyday player and an All-Star.
ALEK THOMAS 2-RUN HOMER! 🇲🇽
His dad watching from the opposing dugout is priceless. pic.twitter.com/a2JDmq9a9C
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 9, 2026
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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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