DENVER – Every front office has a move it wishes it could have back. For the Diamondbacks, trading Jake McCarthy is beginning to look like one of those decisions. Arizona’s offense has spent stretches of the season searching for consistency at the plate. When the lineup isn’t getting production from its biggest names, the lack of depth becomes obvious. That makes McCarthy’s emergence elsewhere even more difficult to ignore.
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Jul 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy (31) hits a grand slam in the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Jake McCarthy’s second homer of the game is a GRAND SLAM!
He has 10 RBI over his last two games 😤 pic.twitter.com/FBvc1cRJLt
— MLB (@MLB) July 4, 2026
His historic performance for Colorado wasn’t just a career night. It was a reminder of the player Arizona developed but ultimately decided it could live without. Two home runs, six RBI, a stolen base, and relentless pressure on opposing pitchers showcased the complete offensive package the Diamondbacks once believed could be part of their future. The frustrating part for Arizona fans isn’t simply that McCarthy is producing. It’s how he’s producing.
Jul 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy (31) hits a grand slam in the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Are the Diamondbacks regretting the Jake McCarthy trade?
🔥 Jake McCarthy (COL) has gone deep in 2 straight games
16-for-43 (.372) with 3 HR and 23 total bases over his last 7 pic.twitter.com/AqjMn4T0eS
— RotoWire Sports Betting (@RotoWireSports) July 4, 2026
The Diamondbacks have built their identity around athletic players who can impact games in multiple ways. McCarthy checked every one of those boxes. He can create runs with his legs, drive the ball into the gaps, provide defensive versatility, and force opposing defenses into mistakes. Those are traits that don’t disappear because a player changes uniforms. Organizations often preach patience with homegrown talent because development isn’t always linear. Some players need more time before everything clicks. Instead of benefiting from that breakthrough, Arizona is now watching another club reap the rewards.
Jul 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy (31) celebrates with designated hitter Mickey Moniak (22) after hitting a first pitch home run in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
No roster decision should be judged by one game alone. But this isn’t about one game. It’s about a larger trend. The Diamondbacks need offense, greater lineup depth, and players capable of changing games without relying solely on home runs. Sometimes the biggest trade deadline addition isn’t the player you acquire; it’s the one they never should have let walk.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
