Astros claim Mariners outfielder off waivers with latest move

The Houston Astros claimed outfielder Rhylan Thomas off waivers from the Seattle Mariners on Saturday. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, Houston transferred right-hander Hunter Brown from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL.

Thomas, originally an 11th-round pick by the New York Mets in the 2022 MLB Draft, was acquired by Seattle in July 2024 in a trade that sent reliever Ryne Stanek the other way. He appeared in three MLB games for the Mariners in 2025, going 1-for-8 with a double, two RBIs, and one walk across those appearances.

At Triple-A Tacoma, Thomas produced a .325/.380/.411 slash line over 617 plate appearances this past season, but his production declined this season to a .260/.313/.328 line across 145 plate appearances in 31 games. Over that stretch, he recorded two home runs, nine RBIs, and six stolen bases. His career Triple-A line stands at .301/.352/.388 over 261 games. His on-base fluctuations were also linked to a drop in BABIP from .332 in 2025 to .269 this season.

Seattle designated Thomas for assignment earlier in the week after claiming Jose Suarez from the Atlanta Braves.

For the Astros, Thomas arrives as depth for an injury-depleted outfield, with Jake Meyers (oblique strain), Joey Loperfido (quad strain), and Taylor Trammell (groin strain) all on the injured list. Brice Matthews, Zach Dezenzo, and Zach Cole have filled in, despite limited major league experience. Thomas, a left-handed hitter who can play all three outfield spots, also has two minor league options remaining and was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land after the move.

Meanwhile, Brown’s IL transfer is retroactive to April 2 due to a Grade 2 right shoulder strain. He recently completed a bullpen session and is expected to continue building up, with eligibility for activation projected for early June.

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