Strolling among the Arizona Diamondback’s practice fields at Salt River Fields in 2023, Sport Relay editor Evan Thompson looks over at two young players interacting with fans. Corbin Carroll and Jake McCarthy sign for some kids. Thompson remarks “Everyone knows about Corbin, but McCarthy is going to be a superstar.” McCarthy has started showing what he can do after a rough 2023 season that saw him promoted and demoted twice and an oblique strain that kept him out of the playoffs.
First Round Pick
McCarthy was originally drafted by his hometown team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, out of Scranton High School in the 23rd round of the 2015 draft. He chose to attend the University of Virginia. Two years later, he was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the first round. In 2023, McCarthy started the season ice cold, hitting only .143. over the first 22 games of the season. He was demoted to Triple–A Reno for most of May to work on his swing.
He returned at the beginning of June and showed much improvement as he hit .294. In a bit of bad luck, McCarthy strained his oblique muscle while taking batting practice just before Game One of the 2023 Wild Card series and missed out on the Diamondbacks’ improbable World Series run. The Diamondbacks had tried to trade McCarthy in the offseason in a deal with the Chicago White Sox that eventually sent Dominic Fletcher to the Windy City. He is two years away from salary arbitration.
Breakout!
Jake McCarthy seems intent on helping the Diamondbacks get back to the postseason. By changing his approach against left-handers, he has almost forced manager Torey Lovullo to keep him in the starting lineup. This season he is hitting .311 with six home runs and 17 stolen bases in 286 at-bats. With Carroll and Alek Thomas struggling this season, McCarthy is getting more playing time. Over the past month, he is hitting .405 with 19 runs batted in. He also had his first career walk-off hit against the Colorado Rockies.
It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Jake McCarthy!
McCarthy has also been excelling in the field. His versatility allows him to play all three outfield positions. He has been making highlight plays all over the field all year. Recently he made a diving catch in centerfield to rob extra bases from the Rockies. Prior to that, McCarthy, not known for his arm, threw out Freddie Freeman to get a double play against division rival Los Angeles Dodgers. Diamondbacks love seeing Jake McCarthy’s signature mop flying around the field. It really is a sight to see.
Hottest Team in Baseball
The Diamondbacks are currently the hottest team in baseball because of the play of McCarthy and his teammates, including MVP hopeful Ketel Marte. They are currently 2.5 games behind the Dodgers for the NL West lead and have won 17 of their last 20 games. They have not lost a series since May. The Diamondbacks are pushing towards another improbable postseason. Hopefully Jake McCarthy is healthy enough to lead them back to the World Series.
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