The Jake McCarthy trade has Diamondbacks fans asking: Was it the right move?

Aug 2, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies designated hitter Jake McCarthy (31) rounds the bases on a three run home run in the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

PHOENIX — Jake McCarthy’s career game Saturday night gave Arizona Diamondbacks fans another reason to wonder what might have been.

Aug 8, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Jake McCarthy (31) hits a two run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

McCarthy went 4-for-5 with two home runs, four runs scored and two stolen bases as the Colorado Rockies beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-6. Along with his first-inning leadoff homer, he became the first player to post four hits, four runs, two home runs and two stolen bases in the same game.

It wasn’t just Saturday’s contest that had Arizona fans mumbling about whether the trade ended up being a good thing, but rather his 2026 season as a whole.

Aug 8, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Jake McCarthy (31) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The Snakes traded McCarthy to Colorado earlier this year in the offseason for right-handed pitching prospect Josh Grosz. The move came after a difficult 2025 season in which McCarthy hit .204 with four homers, 20 RBIs and six stolen bases in 67 games, also spending time in the minors after a slow start.

At the time, the trade made sense. McCarthy had shown flashes of being a dynamic player but had struggled to sustain production. The front office received a pitching prospect to address a current need while the Rockies bet on McCarthy’s speed, athleticism and potential for a rebound.

That rebound has come to fruition this season, making the decision even harder for Diamondbacks fans to look back on.

The former D-Backs outfielder is posting career numbers in Colorado, hitting .307 with 13 home runs, 67 RBIs and an .864 OPS. The contrast between his production this year and last season, coupled with more consistent playing time, is what has created mixed emotions among fans.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the Snakes made the wrong decision. Trades are judged on what a team knows at the time, and McCarthy’s 2025 season gave Arizona plenty of reason to believe a change was necessary.

But baseball has a way of making those decisions harder to defend in hindsight.

Aug 8, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Jake McCarthy (31) is congratulated by shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (14) after hitting a two run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

McCarthy’s night in Colorado was more than just another big game from a former player. It was a reminder of the question that comes with every trade: Did Arizona move on from him at the right time, or did it give up on a player who simply needed another opportunity?

There may not be a definitive answer yet, but as McCarthy continues putting up career numbers in Colorado, it’s becoming a question that will be harder for fans to ignore.

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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde

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