The Colorado Rockies bolstered their outfield by trading for Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy on Saturday, sending minor league pitcher Josh Grosz in return. McCarthy, a speedy left-handed hitter, brings versatility after five seasons in Arizona. The deal comes amid roster adjustments for both National League West teams.
The trade, announced on Saturday morning, addresses the Rockies' need for speed and outfield depth at Coors Field. Jake McCarthy, 28, was acquired from the Diamondbacks for right-hander Josh Grosz, 23. McCarthy, a first-round pick by Arizona in 2018, signed a one-year, $1.525 million deal to avoid arbitration just two days earlier on Thursday.
McCarthy's career with the Diamondbacks included highs and lows. In 2022, he slashed .283/.342/.427 over 99 games, finishing fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting with eight home runs and 23 stolen bases. He rebounded in 2024 with a .285/.349/.400 line, eight homers, and 25 steals in 142 games. However, 2025 was a down year: he started 0-for-24, was optioned to Triple-A Reno where he hit .314 in 49 games, and batted .204 with four homers and 20 RBIs in 67 major league contests upon recall. Overall, he posted a .260/.324/.381 slash line, 24 home runs, and 83 steals in 431 games.
"Pretty crazy morning," McCarthy said from his Scottsdale home, where he was celebrating his one-year wedding anniversary when his agent called. "I can’t express how excited I am to get to Colorado. We played those guys a bunch in division. I really think they have a good group of young guys who are getting better and better."
For the Diamondbacks, general manager Mike Hazen explained the move stemmed from a crowded outfield and the need to gain value. "[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," Hazen said. The team views Grosz, acquired by Colorado in the 2025 trade deadline deal sending Ryan McMahon to the Yankees, as a high-upside starter prospect with a fastball up to 95 mph. Grosz went 5-14 with a 4.67 ERA in 23 High-A starts last year.
McCarthy joins a competitive Rockies outfield featuring Brenton Doyle, Mickey Moniak, Jordan Beck, and prospects like Zac Veen. Per Statcast, he ranks in the 99th percentile for sprint speed and plays all three outfield spots, though his hard-hit rate is low at 26.6 percent. The deal fills Colorado's 40-man roster, signaling more moves ahead, including signing Michael Lorenzen officially.
McCarthy, a Scranton native and University of Virginia product, expressed mixed emotions about leaving Arizona teammates but looks forward to earning a spot in spring training at the shared Salt River Fields facility.
