The Arizona Diamondbacks have received calls from other clubs inquiring about center fielders Jake McCarthy and Alek Thomas, Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported on Friday.
The Diamondbacks have depth in the outfield with Corbin Carroll and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. regularly in the starting lineup with further depth pieces in first baseman Pavin Smith and prospect Jorge Barrosa.
Definitely a lot of interest in Jordan Montgomery on the trade front but also in the Diamondbacks Centerfielders Alek Thomas and Jake McCarty. Arizona turned Daulton Varsho into a starting C and LF 2 years ago, could they move one of their CF for help at another position?
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) November 15, 2024
Arizona has dug into its outfield depth over the past couple seasons to add to areas of need, most notably after the 2022 season when the D-backs shipped Daulton Varsho to Toronto for Gurriel and catcher Gabriel Moreno. The Diamondbacks also dealt Dominic Canzone in the Paul Sewald trade and Dominic Fletcher to the White Sox for pitching prospect Cristian Mena over the past 18 months.
That does not mean Thomas or McCarthy will be traded or the D-backs are trying to trade them. Arizona has received plenty of calls for players since the season ended, and the organization has big decisions to make on how to proceed after missing the postseason with 89 wins.
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General manager Mike Hazen told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke this week he has been asked about nearly his entire rotation.
“We have a lot of conversations,” Hazen said of calls for pitchers. “Those conversations with other clubs get out, and when teams ask us about a player, nobody really cares whether we say it or they say it. They just say it’s been said. I don’t put a lot of stock into what’s being said out there. … A lot happens almost every year, and it’s happening now, especially when we’ve said we’re open to listening on that area of our team.”
What the development regarding the outfielders does mean is there are interested parties in case the Diamondbacks decide to adjust their roster.
McCarthy’s stock is at a high point after he put together a very solid season in 2024.
The 27-year-old bounced back from an inconsistent 2023 season and won everyday reps. In spring training, his role was not certain, but he kept a level head, stayed healthy and remained a steady contributor throughout the season.
He was red-hot from the end of July into early September, hitting .336 over a seven-week span with a five-hit game and five three-hit performances.
McCarthy cooled off down the stretch but finished the year slashing .285/.349/.400 with eight homers and 25 steals. His value defensively comes from his versatility and athleticism, and he earned a Gold Glove nomination for right field.
In center, Thomas is the superior defender.
Thomas had a painful 2024 campaign, landing on the injured list for three months due to hamstring issues that included a setback. He struggled offensively upon his return and was optioned to Triple-A Reno, where he sustained an oblique injury and missed more time. He played only 39 MLB games this past season.
The outfielder is still only 24 years old and has shown flashes of power to pair with his must-watch defense. Finding consistency driving the ball and limiting his ground balls remain objectives he has to hit.
Both Thomas and McCarthy are under team control through 2028.
The Diamondbacks have a hole at first base with Christian Walker a free agent and questions regarding how to approach the designated hitter spot. Jordan Montgomery is a starter whom the D-backs are reportedly looking to offload.
The bullpen is an area the club aims to bolster, and two of the league’s better closers have been involved in trade rumors before they enter free agency next winter: Milwaukee’s Devin Williams and St. Louis’ Ryan Helsley.