Why does Alek Thomas play for Mexico? Tracing the Arizona Diamondbacks OF's life and career

Alek Thomas is yet another top-level talent filling out Team Mexico during this year's World Baseball Classic. The talented Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder pounced on the opportunity to play for the Mexican squad, something that made him not only proud but more connected to his Mexican heritage.

While Thomas has dual eligibility to play for both Team USA and Team Mexico, the fact that the United States outfield is loaded with some of the top players in the world may have helped him make the decision. However, he has said how proud he is to represent the Mexican side of his family.

"I never really thought about playing in the WBC at all," Thomas said. "But whenever I was in the majors or minors or whatever and the opportunity came about. And, you know, the USA team is stacked.

"You've got to be amazing to play on that team. But I think I'd rather play for Mexico and represent this part of my culture and, you know, my family, so I'm really happy to get the opportunity to do this. It's going to be really special."

Alek's mother has Mexican roots in the state of Sonora, with both of his parents incredibly proud that he is representing that side of their family.

"Alek came in and asked us what we thought, and obviously we felt it would be a great time for his mom's side and the side over in Agua Prieta (Sonora)," Alek's father, Allen Thomas, said. For them to have good time with it and kind of bring everything together."

"You guys know the odds of Alek Thomas being the starting CF for Team Mexico, a highly populated country, and playing this World wide tournament in his own home ballpark? On his office/patch of grass? Wild tbh," Dback_Zach tweeted.

Alek Thomas batted eighth in the lineup during Team Mexico's shocking 11-5 win over the United States. The top prospect went 1-for-5 while scoring a run off of a fourth-inning double by Randy Arozarena.

A look at Alek Thomas and the future of the Arizona Diamondbacks

Thomas is set to play a major part in the Arizona Diamondbacks' exciting future. Not only is he one of the top young players in baseball, but he is part of an organization that includes some of the top prospects in the league.

Some of their most exciting young talents include Corbin Carroll, Druw Jones, Gabriel Moreno and Jake McCarthy. It won't be long before D-Backs fans may be able to watch this core contend for a World Series.