Griff McGarry’s journey with the Philadelphia Phillies has officially come to an end following a trade completed on Tuesday. The organization dealt the former pitching prospect to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for international bonus pool space, along with either a player to be named later or cash considerations. The move marks a significant turning point for McGarry, who was once viewed as one of the more promising arms in the Phillies’ farm system.
Now 26 years old, McGarry entered the spotlight a few years ago as a highly regarded prospect. In 2023, he was ranked as the No. 3 prospect in Philadelphia’s system by MLB Pipeline, largely due to his impressive raw talent. His fastball, which was clocked as high as 99 mph in 2022, highlighted his potential to become a power pitcher at the major league level. However, despite possessing elite velocity and swing-and-miss capability, McGarry struggled with one critical aspect of pitching—command.
Throughout his time in the minors, inconsistency with throwing strikes prevented him from fully capitalizing on his natural ability. His tendency to issue walks and fall behind in counts limited his effectiveness and ultimately hindered his progression toward the big leagues. While he showed flashes of dominance, the lack of control remained a persistent obstacle.
The Phillies’ decision to leave McGarry unprotected during the Rule 5 Draft in December signaled a shift in how the organization viewed his future. He was selected by the Washington Nationals, giving him a brief opportunity with another club. However, his time in Washington was short-lived. During Spring Training, he appeared in six Grapefruit League games, where he struck out six batters but also walked five and allowed two runs over 5 2/3 innings. Ultimately, the Nationals chose not to retain him, returning him to the Phillies before the start of the regular season.
Back with Philadelphia’s organization, McGarry continued to struggle in 2025 while pitching for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In five appearances, he posted a 9.00 ERA, a reflection of ongoing control issues. Over just four innings of work, he recorded four strikeouts but also issued seven walks, further underscoring the challenges that have defined his professional career so far.
Originally selected by the Phillies in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, McGarry was once seen as a potential high-upside arm who could develop into a key contributor. While that potential has yet to fully materialize, the trade to the Dodgers offers him a fresh start in a new organization known for its strong player development system.
For the Phillies, the deal represents a strategic decision to move on from a player who had not progressed as hoped, while gaining valuable international signing flexibility. For McGarry, it provides another opportunity to refine his skills and attempt to unlock the potential that once made him one of the more intriguing pitching prospects in baseball.
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