The Houston Astros made a roster addition on Saturday by claiming outfielder off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. The move came as Houston prepared to continue its weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds in Ohio.
Houston entered Saturday’s matchup with momentum after a dominant 10-0 victory over Cincinnati the night before. While the Astros continue trying to climb back into contention following a difficult start to the 2026 season, the organization also remains active in searching for depth and roster flexibility.
The Astros officially announced the waiver claim before Saturday’s game. According to reports, Thomas will be assigned to Triple-A Sugar Land as part of the transaction. To create room on the club’s 40-man roster, Houston transferred pitcher Hunter Brown to the 60-day injured list.
Thomas, 26, was originally selected in the 11th round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the New York Mets after playing college baseball at the University of Southern California. Since beginning his professional career, the left-handed hitting outfielder has steadily worked his way through the minor leagues while trying to establish himself as a reliable big-league option.
He made his Major League Baseball debut with Seattle last season, although his time in the majors has been limited so far. Thomas appeared in only three games for the Mariners, giving him just a brief opportunity at the highest level. Despite the small sample size, he managed to collect a hit and show some potential offensively.
Most of his production this year has come at the Triple-A level. Playing for Tacoma, Thomas has put together a respectable season offensively. Through 31 games, he has recorded a .260 batting average with 34 hits, two home runs, nine RBIs, 15 runs scored, and six stolen bases. His balanced skill set and ability to contribute both offensively and on the bases likely made him an appealing low-risk pickup for Houston.
The move also generated discussion among baseball fans on social media. Some supporters pointed out the irony that Thomas, who had recently been designated for assignment in Seattle, could soon return to play at the same stadium with his new Triple-A club. Others questioned Houston’s decision to add another outfielder while the pitching staff continues dealing with injuries and inconsistency. However, some fans viewed the claim as a smart move, believing the Astros benefited from acquiring a player who still has room to develop.
Seattle also acknowledged the transaction publicly, confirming that Thomas had officially been claimed by Houston. While the Mariners decided to move on from him as they reshaped their roster, the Astros clearly saw enough value to give him another opportunity within their organization.
For Houston, the addition of Thomas represents a depth move rather than a blockbuster acquisition. Still, players in similar situations have occasionally developed into useful contributors when given the right opportunity. His athleticism, speed, and left-handed bat provide qualities teams often look for in organizational depth players who can potentially help at the major league level if needed later in the season.
The Astros continue trying to recover from a slow start to the year. Entering the weekend, Houston held a disappointing 16-23 record through 39 games and had struggled badly away from home, posting just a 7-13 road record. After finishing their series against Cincinnati, the Astros will head back to Houston for an upcoming series against the Mariners, giving Thomas an interesting connection to both teams in the days ahead.
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