Diamondbacks expected to trade an outfielder they DFA'd days ago

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Diamondbacks expected to trade an outfielder they DFA'd days ago originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have had a bit of a rough season. If things don't turn around soon, it would not be a surprise if they wound up as sellers.

But, in the meantime, they're trying to right the ship, and in doing so, made the prospect call-up of top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt.

In promoting him, they designated Alek Thomas, a defensive star center fielder, for assignment. But, as USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports, there's an expectation of a trade with Thomas in the near future.

D-Backs expected to trade Alek Thomas after DFA'ing him days ago​

"The D-Backs, however, are expected to trade the speedy center fielder with several teams already checking in," Nightengale reports.

While the Diamondbacks DFA'd Thomas a few days ago to call up Waldschmidt, the former Arizona center fielder will likely find a new home quickly in the trade market.

He's still 26 years old, and while his offense leaves a lot to be desired, he's a good runner and is an elite center fielder. Some team will find value for him this year.

The Diamondbacks won't get a ton back in return for Thomas, but whatever return they'll get will be a lot better than simply letting him hit the open market. With this report of a trade being expected, Arizona should land something in return for Thomas soon.

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So far this season in 28 games, he's hitting just .181 with a .563 OPS and a 56 OPS+. That's some poor offensive production, but he's not a net-negative yet due to his elite defense and solid baserunning.

While Thomas was a fun outfielder in Arizona, and seeing him get designated for assignment was a bit of a surprise, it was a roster move that made sense.

Arizona didn't have a spot for him on the MLB roster with Corbin Carroll, Lourdes Gurriel, Waldschmidt, and the combination of Jorge Barrosa and Tim Tawa as depth.

Now, he's set to find a new landing spot in the near future, with Nightengale reporting a trade is likely for the former defensive star outfielder.

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