Phillies Trade Former Top Prospect McGarry to Dodgers

The Philadelphia Phillies have traded right-handed pitcher Griff McGarry to the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 14, 2026. In exchange for the former top prospect, the Phillies will receive international bonus pool space and either a player to be named later or cash considerations.

According to reporting from BeisbolFR, the international bonus pool space received by Philadelphia is valued at $500,000. This figure is noted as being the same amount the Dodgers previously received from the Minnesota Twins in the trade for Anthony Banda.

Prospect Background and Performance

McGarry, 26, was selected by the Phillies in the fifth round of the 2021 Draft. He was once considered one of the most promising arms in the organization, ranking as the No. 3 prospect in the Phillies’ system according to MLB Pipeline ahead of the 2023 season.

During the 2022 season, McGarry pitched 87 1/3 innings across three different levels, posting a 3.71 ERA. His performance was highlighted by a 35.7% strikeout rate and a fastball that reached 99 mph, though he struggled with a 14.6% walk rate.

His standing in the prospect rankings declined following struggles in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, he recorded a 6.00 ERA over 17 minor league starts and saw his walk rate rise to over 18%. In 2024, he appeared in 30 minor league relief appearances, posting a 4.55 ERA while his walk rate spiked to 24%.

McGarry showed signs of a rebound in 2025, returning to a rotation role in Triple-A. During that campaign, he pitched 83 2/3 innings with a 3.44 ERA and a 35.1% strikeout rate, although his walk rate remained high at 13.9%.

Rule 5 Draft and Recent Struggles

The Phillies left McGarry unprotected during the Rule 5 Draft in December 2025. He was selected by the Washington Nationals, but he failed to make the Major League roster following Spring Training and was returned to Philadelphia.

During his time with Washington in the Grapefruit League, McGarry pitched 5 2/3 innings over six outings, allowing two runs while striking out six and walking five batters.

Upon returning to the Phillies organization for the 2026 season, McGarry struggled in Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In five appearances, he posted a 9.00 ERA, striking out four and walking seven batters over four innings of work.

Roster Implications

Because McGarry was not on Philadelphia’s 40-man roster, the Los Angeles Dodgers are not required to make a corresponding move to their 40-man roster to accommodate him. McGarry is expected to be assigned to the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City.

The move comes during a period of frequent pitcher transitions for the Phillies. The organization recently placed Jonathan Bowlan on the injured list and saw Seth Johnson called up and subsequently sent back down to the minor leagues within a 24-hour window.

The final component of the trade remains undetermined, as the Dodgers will eventually send either a minor league player or cash considerations to the Phillies to complete the transaction.