Rockies Weigh Trading Jake McCarthy This Offseason
Colorado's front office discussed moving the outfielder at the General Managers Meetings as it looks to bolster a thin starting rotation.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Baseball
The Colorado Rockies discussed whether to trade outfielder Jake McCarthy during the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas. President of baseball operations Paul DePodesta said the team needs more starting pitching and will explore all avenues to acquire it.
Why it matters
The Rockies finished 2026 at 58-104, and their pitching staff remains the team's most pressing need. McCarthy's production and club control through 2028 make him a valuable chip in any effort to rebuild the rotation.
McCarthy hit .291 with 13 triples, second among MLB players, and 32 stolen bases, seventh in the National League, while signing a $1.53 million deal for 2026. The Rockies' 58-104 finish leaves the trade decision unresolved as the team weighs its needs.
The players
Paul DePodesta
DePodesta is the Rockies' president of baseball operations, a former Major League executive who has led the club's front office and emphasized starting pitching as the offseason priority.
Jake McCarthy
McCarthy is a Rockies outfielder who posted strong 2026 counting stats and is under club control through 2028.
The details
The Rockies acquired McCarthy from the Diamondbacks on January 10 in exchange for Minor League pitcher Josh Grosz, and they held on to him at the Trade Deadline in early August. The General Managers Meetings began Tuesday in Las Vegas, where the front office has discussed moving him. Trading Brenton Doyle to the White Sox and extending Mickey Moniak through 2028 for $16.5 million show the team is actively reshaping its roster.
Timeline
January 10: Rockies acquire McCarthy from the Diamondbacks for Josh Grosz.
Early August: Rockies hold McCarthy at the Trade Deadline rather than trading him.
Tuesday (November 2026): General Managers Meetings begin in Las Vegas.
Season Trajectory
The Rockies' offense climbed from one of baseball's worst in 2025 to the top 10 in many key categories in 2026, but a 58-104 record shows pitching has become the bottleneck. That shift is why starting pitching now drives the team's trade and roster decisions.
A McCarthy trade would change the Rockies' outfield and could bring back starting pitching, which fantasy managers tracking his 32 stolen bases should watch. Any deal would also clarify whether the front office is committing to a rebuilt rotation for 2027.
The takeaway
Starting pitching is the clearest priority in Colorado's offseason, and the McCarthy discussion shows the front office is willing to trade productive hitters to address it. Fans should expect the roster to look different once the meetings end.
Further reading
For more on the club's roster moves, see Denver Baseball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MLB.
