PHOENIX, February 17, 2024 – The Arizona Diamondbacks addressed a crowded outfield situation Saturday, trading outfielder Jake McCarthy to the Colorado Rockies for minor league right-hander Josh Grosz. The move, while shedding a potentially valuable player, signals Arizona’s intent to bolster its pitching depth.
Trade details
• D-backs get: RHP Josh Grosz
• Rockies get: OF Jake McCarthy
“With the construction of the 40-man roster right now, with the out-of-option guys we have coming into camp, the amount of outfielders we have, we felt like this was a spot of getting value for Jake,” Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said. “Obviously, Jake’s a go
McCarthy was initially acquired by arizona on July 25 as part of a deal that sent third baseman Ryan McMahon to the Bronx. The 23-year-old combined to go 5-14 with a 4.67 ERA in 23 games (22 starts) for Hudson Valley adn the Rockies’ High-A Spokane club last year.He was ranked as the No. 20 prospect in Colorado’s Minor League system by MLB Pipeline and made one appearance at the Double-A level.
“We like the potential for him to start,” Hazen said. “Taking a shot, as we have continued to do, at acquiring as many guys for the system that we can to help build our depth and with some upside for the long term.”
The Diamondbacks’ scouting reports clocked Grosz’s fastball at up to 95 mph, and the organization is eager to explore potential adjustments to his pitching repertoire. This offseason, Arizona brought in Jeremy Bleich, formerly with the Pittsburgh Pirates, as assistant GM, hoping he can replicate his success in developing young pitching talent – a skill they believe could unlock Grosz’s potential.
“These are the types of bets that I’m looking to take in terms of giving him guys to kind of work with and build,” Hazen added.
mccarthy’s tenure with the Diamondbacks was marked by both brilliance and inconsistency. In 99 games during the 2022 season, he posted a 117 OPS+ and finished fourth in National League Rookie of the Year Award voting.Though, the 2023 season proved challenging, leading to a demotion to Triple-A Reno. He rebounded in 2024, achieving a .749 OPS and a 108 OPS+.
McCarthy endured a slow start to the 2024 campaign, going hitless in his first 24 at-bats before finding his stride.
A Calculated Risk for Arizona’s Future
The Diamondbacks traded outfielder Jake McCarthy to the Rockies for pitching prospect Josh Grosz, aiming to deepen their farm system.
- Arizona addressed a logjam in the outfield by trading McCarthy.
- The Diamondbacks acquired right-handed pitching prospect Josh Grosz.
- The team hopes new assistant GM Jeremy Bleich can help develop Grosz’s potential.
- The trade reflects Arizona’s focus on building pitching depth within the organization.
What kind of return did the Diamondbacks get for Jake McCarthy? Arizona received minor league right-hander Josh grosz, a 23-year-old prospect previously in the Yankees and Rockies organizations.
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