Phillies showing final interest in signing the Yankees veteran Outfielder after Offer was accepted
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Philadelphia Phillies, currently holding the best record in baseball and on pace for 112 wins, are reportedly “keeping an eye on” Diamondbacks’ outfielder Jake McCarthy.
This is not the first time McCarthy has been involved in trade rumors. Earlier this year, the 26-year-old was a potential trade piece for the White Sox. The White Sox were given the choice between Dominic Fletcher and Jake McCarthy in a deal that ultimately sent Cristian Mena to the Diamondbacks.
McCarthy, drafted by Arizona in the first round of the 2018 draft, finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2022. This season, with Alek Thomas on the IL, McCarthy has become an everyday starter for the Diamondbacks. He has posted a .268 batting average and stolen nine bases this year.
Despite being a left-handed batter, McCarthy has shown a remarkable ability to hit left-handed pitchers better than right-handed ones. In 2024, he has recorded a .414 batting average against southpaws in 32 plate appearances.
The Phillies currently have only two left-handed batters in their regular lineup.
McCarthy is on a one-year deal worth $776,000 with the Diamondbacks.
Nightengale noted, “The Philadelphia Phillies are keeping an eye on Diamondbacks left-handed hitting outfielder Jake McCarthy if the D-backs decide to make him available at the trade deadline.” He further explained that the Diamondbacks’ decision regarding McCarthy could depend on their standing in the NL Wild Card race as the deadline approaches.
While the Diamondbacks are four games below .500, they are just one game out of a Wild Card spot. This situation mirrors last year’s scenario, which led them to become buyers at the deadline, acquiring Paul Sewald, Tommy Pham, and Jace Peterson.
The Phillies could have a minor roster shake-up ahead as they prepare to welcome a trio of hitters back from injured list stints.
Which means the team will be forced to make decisions on three guys currently on the roster, as well as some other longterm decisions that may effect the squad for the rest of the season.
Trea Turner should be first, as the superstar shortstop seems poised to return to the roster as soon as this week without a stint in the minors. Kody Clemens also appears to be close to returning after back spasms shut him down last week. And Brandon Marsh reportedly has a very minor hamstring injury that shouldn’t keep him out much longer
