The Colorado Rockies have made a strategic move to strengthen their outfield options, completing a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, January 10. The deal sees versatile left-handed hitter Jake McCarthy heading to Denver, with right-handed pitching prospect Josh Grosz moving to Arizona in exchange.
Jake McCarthy's Journey and Skill Set
Originally drafted 39th overall by the Diamondbacks in 2018, Jake McCarthy announced his arrival in the major leagues emphatically during the 2022 season. His impressive rookie campaign, where he slashed .283/.342/.427, hit eight home runs, and stole 23 bases, earned him a fourth-place finish in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. His 116 wRC+ that year signaled significant potential.
However, his career has since been a story of fluctuations. After a down year in 2023, he rebounded strongly in 2024, posting a .285/.349/.400 line and swiping 25 bags across 142 games. The 2025 season proved challenging, as his average dipped to .204 with a .247 on-base percentage over 222 plate appearances.
One attribute has remained a constant superpower: his elite speed. McCarthy consistently ranks in the 98th percentile or higher in sprint speed, making him a persistent threat on the basepaths. Defensively, he offers valuable flexibility, capable of handling all three outfield positions competently.
Why Arizona Parted Ways with McCarthy
The Diamondbacks' decision to trade McCarthy stems from a roster logjam. With star Corbin Carroll entrenched in right field and Alek Thomas the likely starter in centre, Arizona found itself with a surplus of left-handed hitting outfielders. Although Lourdes Gurriel Jr.'s recovery from an ACL injury opened up left field, the club has other options like Blaze Alexander and Jorge Barrosa ready to step in.
A crucial factor was McCarthy's contract status. Having exhausted his minor league options, the Diamondbacks risked losing him on waivers if they attempted to send him down again. This trade allowed Arizona to acquire a developmental arm while clearing a 40-man roster spot and addressing an area of organizational need.
A New Chapter in the Mile High City
For Jake McCarthy, the move to Colorado represents a fresh start and a chance to reignite his career. He joins a crowded but competitive Rockies outfield mix that includes Brenton Doyle, Mickey Moniak, Zac Veen, and Jordan Beck. His most probable initial role will be as a valuable bench piece or platoon option, leveraging his speed and left-handed bat.
The vast outfield and high altitude of Coors Field could be a perfect match for his skill set, allowing his speed to play up even more. At 28 years old, McCarthy is under team control via arbitration through the 2028 season and is set to earn $1.525 million in 2026.
This transaction is notably the first trade executed by the Rockies' new president of baseball operations, Paul DePodesta, that brings a major league player to Colorado. Hired in November 2025, the former Dodgers executive has been active in reshaping the roster, and acquiring McCarthy raises the team's overall talent floor. A change of scenery might be exactly what the former top prospect needs to unlock more consistent production.
The Prospect Heading to Arizona
In return, the Diamondbacks receive 23-year-old pitcher Josh Grosz. Originally acquired by Colorado from the New York Yankees in the Ryan McMahon deal last July, Grosz posted a 4.67 ERA pitching at the High-A level in 2025. He is currently ranked as the No. 20 prospect in the Rockies' system by MLB Pipeline.
Scouts project Grosz as a future multi-inning reliever or a back-end starter. His primary weapon is a well-spinning fastball that sits between 93-95 mph. For Arizona, he represents a lottery ticket—a young arm with tools they can develop in their pitching program. This trade ultimately provides both franchises with added depth and potential upside at a minimal cost, a hallmark of sensible offseason manoeuvring.
