Griff McGarry's return to the Philadelphia Phillies organization was short-lived. Just three weeks after the Washington Nationals returned McGarry to the Phillies, Philadelphia has traded the 26-year-old to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for international bonus pool space. The Phillies are also expected to receive a player to be named later or cash considerations as part of the deal.
McGarry was drafted by the Phillies in 2021 and initially seemed earmarked to become a fixture in the team's starting rotation. He had early success, but as he advanced through Philadelphia's system, struggles with his command began to surface.
By the end of the 2025 season, it was clear that the Phillies had moved on from McGarry's development plan. He wasn't added to the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 draft, creating the opportunity for the Nationals to take a flyer on him.
McGarry appeared in six spring training games with the Nationals, giving up two runs on four hits but issuing five walks. While he's always had a swing-and-miss profile, the lack of command is among the reasons he never got a shot at the major league level with the Phillies.
Credit to the Phillies for getting something for Griff McGarry
McGarry was outrighted to Triple-A upon his return to the Phillies. In five appearances, he gave up four runs on three hits while issuing seven walks. A reminder of why he wasn't exactly a part of the organization's plans moving forward.
Given how the Dodgers have turned no-name reclamation projects into bullpen success stories, there's a non-zero chance that LA ultimately gets the last laugh on this deal. The Dodgers, despite the dynasty they've created, are no strangers to shuffling things around during the regular season with their pitching staff. For now, he's added depth in the minors but could be someone the Dodgers turn to fill innings later this summer.
After losing McGarry for nothing during the offseason, and getting him back, credit to Dave Dombrowski for getting something for the once-promising pitching prospect. The Phillies now have more money to use on this year's international free-agent class, and that is likely more than anything they would have received from McGarry moving forward.
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