Alek Thomas' Swing Overhaul: Unlocking Star Potential

0:00It's March 31st. Welcome to MLB News Today, powered by AI and ready for first pitch. Alex Thomas, the Arizona Diamondback Center Fielder, is revamping his swing big time by ditching that signature highlight kick. Through his first four games, he's hitting 200 batting average with a 250 on base and 400 slugging for a 650 OPS. Small sample of just 16 played appearances, but the quality of his contact is jumping out, with harder hits and better launch angles. Earlier this spring training, Thomas teamed up with teammate Carlos Santana for drills like low t-work and left side poles to fix his upright. Stance, that paid off quick. He crushed it in camp in the World Baseball Classic, posting 93 miles per hour average exit velocity, 43. Percent hard hit rate, and 14 percent barrel rate, all above league averages. Players and scouts have long eyed these mechanics for consistent power, and Thomas is delivering.

1:00His changes mean fewer weak grounders, down from his career, 55 percent rate, and more line drives and fly balls that scream off the bat. Now in the regular season of his 11 balls in play, he's averaging 95 miles per hour exit bellow with 63 percent hard hits, including doubles against lefties that drove and runs, even some outs were smoked right at fielders. Thomas says the new feel is sticking, no backsliding yet. With Jordan Lawler heating up and left, Lord Scuriel Jr. nearing return, and top prospect Ryan Walshmit pushing, Thomas has to keep producing too. Own center every day, but at 25, these tweaks could unlock his star potential for the long haul.