Giants Add Outfielder Out Of Rays 40-Man Crunch

The Rays have been holding a yard sale of sorts over the month of July, clearing out the backend of their 40-man roster as they prepare for a busy offseason which will require adding several prospects to the 40-man roster. The Giants became the latest to peruse the sale, adding Triple-A outfielder Joe McCarthy at the modest cost of a 2018 26th-round pick.

GIANTS GET

Joe McCarthy, OF

Age: 25

McCarthy was considered one of the better pure hitters in the 2015 draft class, but the Virginia outfielder fell in the draft because he was battling a back injury. Five seasons later, McCarthy continues to struggle with back injuries that lead to some worries over whether he will ever fully unlock the potential he’s flashed to be a plus hitter with above-average power. McCarthy is on the 40-man roster. With Tampa Bay facing a tight 40-man roster situation this offseason, trading him helps clear needed roster space for the Rays.

 

RAYS GET

Jacob Lopez, LHP

Age: 21

Lopez is a strike-thrower with a good frame and solid feel for pitching. He led junior college baseball in strikeouts in 2018. But he’s going to have to be a late-bloomer to ever pitch in the majors as he currently is working with below-average stuff. His 87-89 mph fastball gets some arm-side run and he throws a slurvy breaking ball that he can make bigger or smaller, morphing from a curve into more of a slider. He does show a feel for a changeup. Lopez’s delivery has some energy and effort to it, but he consistently throws strikes.