Jake McCarthy Is Solidifying Himself in the D-backs Outfield
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Much attention — deservedly — goes to the injury chaos that has overwhelmed the Arizona Diamondbacks starting rotation. There’s good reason for that, too, given that only two of their projected starters are pitching, which undoubtedly plays a significant part in the team’s 32-35 record.
But don’t forget that the extended absence of center fielder Alek Thomas due to a hamstring injury suffered on April 1 has also forced the D-backs to adjust. In this case, it created an opening for Jake McCarthy to show what he could do.
He has not thrown away his shot, and it’s worth considering what he’s brought to a middle-of-the-road Diamondbacks team.
Remind Me: Who Is This Guy?
The Scranton High School graduate left Pennsylvania to play college baseball for the University of Virginia, where he stayed for three seasons. During his time as a Cavalier, he slashed .337/.423/.476 while stealing 36 bases. On the defensive side, the center fielder finished his career with a 0.978 FDPC and only four errors in 85 games.
He was drafted 39th by the D-backs in the 2018 MLB Draft.
McCarthy made his MLB debut on August 27, 2021.
Welcome to The Show, Jake McCarthy!
The 39th overall pick in the 2018 Draft has made it to the Majors. pic.twitter.com/NnLYf4oSxe
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 27, 2021
After being called up, McCarthy saw some playing time that season before playing in 99 games in 2022. He finished that year on a tear that found him slashing .283/.342/.427, third in the D-backs batting order, and fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting.
How Was McCarthy in 2023?
He struggled in 2023, finishing the season with a demotion to Triple-A Reno, a 79 wRC+, and a .243/.318/.326 slash line (two home runs) in 312 plate appearances.
His season ended early due to an oblique injury, and McCarthy could not play in the D-backs postseason.
In short, it was not a notable year.
Moreover, the fact that he shared an outfield with Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll and outstanding center fielder Alek Thomas in 2023 did not help his cause.
Even worse, all three are lefties, so there were questions about whether the D-backs might trade McCarthy.
Thomas’s injury changed all that.
How’s His 2024 Been?
Not bad.
In the offseason, McCarthy told Jack Sommers, “It’s not a matter of bat speed or strength or anything like that. It’s just a matter of swinging at the right pitches, putting the barrel on it, taking a full pass. We’re not anywhere near a full-swing overhaul. I try to stay away from things like that. I love my game, I love what I can do…it’s just a matter of getting to my optimal form.”
Since then, he’s been successful in doing that.
In 165 plate appearances, he’s slashing .282/.368/.401 with a wRC+ of 124. His BB% is up to 9.7% after a career average of 8.1%, and his K% has also improved, going from a career average of 21.2% to 18.2%. Plus, he’s stolen nine bases.
Add that he’s already hit three home runs, surpassing his 2023 total.
Jake rakes! ? pic.twitter.com/wMZGciEMRH
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) June 9, 2024
He’s also hitting lefties better than he is righties. Case in point: his 110 wRC+ in 32 PA against lefties and a 101 wRC+ in 128 PA against righties.
McCarthy’s defense remains acceptable, and he has 0 DRS and -2 OAA. In other words, his offensive improvements have come, to a degree, at the expense of his defense. (He has played just over 350 innings, so McCarthy has shown himself to be a durable outfielder this season.)
So, What’s Next?
That’s an interesting question.
Bob Nightengale reported over the weekend that the Philadelphia Phillies might be interested in trading for McCarthy should the D-backs become sellers at the trade deadline.
McCarthy will be 27 next month and still has one option. In addition, he does not become a free agent until 2029, which would make him an attractive trade acquisition for other teams.
Moreover, Thomas is expected to start a rehab assignment this week, so the D-backs crowded outfield will become even more populated. Despite an outstanding defensive record and some key hits during the postseason, Thomas has struggled at the plate, so he does not have a clear advantage over McCarthy.
This is a story to watch as the trade deadline approaches
The post Jake McCarthy Is Solidifying Himself in the D-backs Outfield appeared first on Just Baseball.
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