Dodgers Acquire RHP Griff McGarry for International Pool Money

Let’s break down the Los Angeles Dodgers’ latest move: they’ve traded for right-hander Griff McGarry from the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies get international pool money, and both clubs are shuffling their rosters and development pipelines in the process.

This deal also traces McGarry’s journey from college ball to the Rule 5 draft, plus the minor-league numbers that hint at his upside. There’s a lot to unpack about what this means for both teams.

Deal details: Dodgers acquire Griff McGarry from Phillies

The Dodgers decided to send international pool money to the Phillies for Griff McGarry, a 26-year-old righty who’s been working his way up as a potential depth arm. It’s all happening against the backdrop of McGarry’s Rule 5 draft history, which has shaped his early pro career.

Originally, the Washington Nationals picked McGarry in the 2024 Rule 5 draft. He landed back with the Phillies after spring training, but not before pitching six games for the Nationals and putting up a 3.18 ERA with no decisions. The Dodgers are hoping for some upside in his development and future contributions, while the Phillies grab some value with the international pool cash.

Griff McGarry’s Rule 5 history and path to the Dodgers

During his Rule 5 stint with the Nationals, McGarry showed enough to get people talking, though he didn’t stick on their big-league roster. That 3.18 ERA over six appearances suggests he’s got the stuff to miss bats and compete, even if it wasn’t enough for a permanent spot just yet.

Once he returned to the Phillies, McGarry kept grinding in the minors. He’s pitched in five games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season, giving up four runs in four innings. The numbers show he’s still early in his development, but there’s a competitive edge there that could click with the right coaching.

Over six minor-league seasons, McGarry’s put up a 10-17 record and a 4.21 ERA. He’s racked up 424 strikeouts but also issued 209 walks. Those walks? Yeah, they point to control issues, but the strikeouts show he’s got some real swing-and-miss stuff if he can rein it in and sharpen his pitch mix.

Minor-league track record and what it signals for the Dodgers

McGarry’s path through the minors has been a mix of velocity, raw talent, and sometimes shaky command. The Dodgers’ evaluators will have to figure out if his tools can mesh with their development system—one that’s built a rep for turning raw arms into reliable contributors.

From a scouting and analytics angle, McGarry’s story is a little unconventional for a right-hander. He’s seen Rule 5 exposure and Triple-A time. Sure, a 4.21 ERA over six seasons might cause some hesitation, but the Dodgers seem to care more about development than instant results. They’re probably betting he can adapt and grow, both in the minors and maybe, eventually, in the majors.

Draft history and Virginia connection

• Drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB First-Year Player Draft.
• Played college baseball at the University of Virginia. He really honed his skills there and turned into a legit pro prospect before jumping to the next level.

The Dodgers are bringing Griff McGarry into their system, and fans are curious about how his stuff will play out with their development approach. There’s a sense that both teams are taking a bit of a gamble here—Dodgers want more pitching depth, while the Phillies are focused on boosting their international pool.

Honestly, McGarry’s path to the majors is all about making adjustments and proving he can stick. If you’re following the Dodgers, it’s worth checking in on his progress as he works his way through their pitching program. Who knows how it’ll pan out, but it should be interesting to watch.

 
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