Rockies Acquire Outfielder Jake McCarthy in Trade with Diamondbacks

The deal sends minor league pitcher Josh Grosz to Arizona in exchange for the former NL Rookie of the Year finalist.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:54am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant colors like royal blue, crimson red, and golden yellow, capturing the strategic nature of the trade between the Rockies and Diamondbacks.A strategic trade that could reshape the futures of the Rockies and Diamondbacks, as they gamble on the potential of Jake McCarthy and Josh Grosz.University of Virginia Today

The Colorado Rockies have acquired outfielder Jake McCarthy from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a trade that sends minor league pitcher Josh Grosz the other way. McCarthy, a 28-year-old outfielder, had a breakout 2022 season but struggled in 2023, leading to questions about whether the Rockies are taking a risk in bringing him in. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are banking on the potential of the 23-year-old Grosz, who had a solid season at the High-A level last year.

Why it matters

This trade represents a high-stakes gamble for both teams, as they look to reshape their rosters and futures. The Rockies are betting on a McCarthy rebound, while the Diamondbacks are prioritizing long-term development with the acquisition of Grosz. The outcome of this deal could have significant implications for both franchises in the years to come.

The details

In the trade, the Rockies have acquired outfielder Jake McCarthy from the Diamondbacks in exchange for minor league pitcher Josh Grosz. McCarthy, a former first-round pick, burst onto the scene in 2022 with a strong rookie campaign, finishing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. However, his numbers plummeted in 2023, leading to questions about whether the Rockies are overpaying for a player coming off a down year. On the other hand, Grosz, a 23-year-old right-hander, showed promise in High-A ball last season, posting a 4.67 ERA. The Diamondbacks are clearly banking on Grosz's potential development, but the risk is whether he can translate that success to the higher levels of the minors and eventually the majors.

  • The trade was officially announced by the Rockies on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • McCarthy had a breakout 2022 season, finishing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting.
  • In 2023, McCarthy's numbers declined, batting just .204 with 4 home runs and 20 RBIs.
  • Grosz, the 23-year-old pitcher acquired by the Diamondbacks, had a 5-14 record with a 4.67 ERA in High-A ball last season.

The players

Jake McCarthy

A 28-year-old outfielder who had a breakout 2022 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, finishing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting, but struggled in 2023.

Josh Grosz

A 23-year-old right-handed pitcher in the Rockies' minor league system, who was acquired by the Diamondbacks in this trade. Grosz had a 5-14 record with a 4.67 ERA in High-A ball last season.

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What’s next

The Rockies will be closely monitoring Jake McCarthy's performance in spring training and the early part of the 2026 season to see if he can regain his 2022 form. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks will be keeping a close eye on Josh Grosz's development in their minor league system, hoping he can translate his High-A success to higher levels.

The takeaway

This trade represents a high-stakes gamble for both the Rockies and Diamondbacks, as they look to reshape their rosters and futures. The Rockies are betting on a McCarthy rebound, while the Diamondbacks are prioritizing long-term development with the acquisition of Grosz. The outcome of this deal could have significant implications for both franchises in the years to come.