Diamondbacks CF Alek Thomas Had Everyone in Awe With the Coolest Catch of the MLB Season

Arizona Diamondbacks centerfielder Alek Thomas delivered a web gem of epic proportions in the ninth inning of Tuesday’s win over the Texas Rangers.

Thomas, a 23-year-old whose heroic catches have caught the eye of plenty of fans across the baseball world this season, may have outdone himself with this one. This time, it was a diving grab that required near full extension on a blast from Marcus Semien into the right-center gap. According to the Diamondbacks’ broadcast, Thomas covered 106 feet in just over five seconds to track down the ball.

Here’s a look at the incredible catch.

CATCH OF THE YEAR. ???? pic.twitter.com/VLPvdWfw82

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 23, 2023

Take a bow, Alek.

Photos of the grab shared by the Diamondbacks on social media make the catch seem all the more impressive. 

Can’t stop thinking about this. ????‍???? pic.twitter.com/peVd83YyyX

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 23, 2023

Thomas joked postgame that he hoped the catch would up his sprint speed metrics, which are down slightly this year compared to last year. He ranks in the 86th percentile league-wide in that category in 2023, per Baseball Savant.

The reactions to Thomas’ catch were almost as good as the catch itself.

Understatement of the year! Thank you @athomas22 ???????????????????????? https://t.co/v0WffHjLMZ

— Paul Sewald (@ItsPaulSewald) August 23, 2023

I fully expected Alek Thomas to make this catch because he catches everything. Such a treat to watch him in center field every day. https://t.co/kildob1zad

— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) August 23, 2023

I’ve seen a lot of catches at chase field and that has to be the best one in center field… lock in that gold glove baby https://t.co/43oMNcxKOh

— Clarkey Clarke (@PozolePapii) August 23, 2023

Can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a ball caught back in that corner https://t.co/23Xh2vJIt2

— Dylan* (@donedyl) August 23, 2023

I swear his arm just extended out a few extra feet like Elastigirl https://t.co/pNrpt4WLph

— Megan Corcoran (@megan_corcoran_) August 23, 2023

Dude is Superman https://t.co/hzF3aQzGEW

— C.Ellis (@Dbackfan2447) August 23, 2023

The collective gasp inside this stadium and the number of hands on heads in astonishment after this one...so good. https://t.co/OEqEwpPlCX

— Nick King (@NickKingSports) August 23, 2023