Jake McCarthy: A 2025 Performance Review
Jake McCarthy's 2025 season was a rollercoaster, to say the least. After a promising 2024, where he dazzled with a .285 batting average, a .749 OPS, and a 110 wRC+, stealing 25 bases, McCarthy's 2025 campaign took a sharp turn. He started the year with a 3-47 record, a nearly insurmountable slump. Not only was his batting average abysmal, but he also failed to walk, resulting in a .592 OPS, a stark contrast to his previous year's performance. This poor performance not only affected his offensive value but also hindered his ability to showcase his game-changing speed, as he rarely reached base.
In the past five years, few Diamondbacks players have accumulated as many at-bats as Jake McCarthy, yet he offered minimal offensive contribution. His 60 wRC+ (40% below league average) at a corner outfield position was a significant letdown. McCarthy's struggles extended to his defensive skills, as his 99th percentile sprint speed only translated to slightly above-average outfield range. This was particularly surprising given his access to top-tier coaching, with Dave McKay as his outfield coach.
The 2026 season brings a different perspective. McCarthy's 2024 success, marked by a .329 BABIP, and his 2025 struggles, with a .233 BABIP, suggest a middle ground for his true abilities. However, the Diamondbacks face a dilemma: giving significant playing time to a below-average offensive player who doesn't utilize his speed effectively and lacks fielding prowess. This situation raises questions about the team's strategy, especially considering the limited outfield talent available and the presence of players like Jorge Barrosa and Tim Tawa, who are ready to step in.
The debate surrounding McCarthy's future is intense. Some argue that the Diamondbacks missed a golden opportunity to trade him last offseason, potentially selling high. Now, with his BABIP luck, there's a concern that they might be selling low. Despite his talent, McCarthy's replaceability has increased, making him a less valuable asset, especially for a team with multiple fourth outfielders. The question remains: will the Diamondbacks make a move this offseason, and if so, what will they receive in return?
