Kevin McCarthy

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #28 prospect in 2017
  McCarthy became the first player in Marist history to play in the major leagues when the Royals called him up in September. He made a quick trip to the majors, all things considered. McCarthy missed time in college and then again in 2013 with a pair of knee surgeries. A partially torn elbow ligament cost him time in 2014 as well, though he was able to rehab the injury without surgery. Since returning to health in 2015, McCarthy has moved quickly. He jumped three levels in 2015 and did it again in 2016. His hard slider has improved to the point where it's a fringe-average pitch. It lacks the two-plane movement to grade as average, but he still makes his living working down in the zone with plenty of two-seam fastballs. McCarthy's 92-95 mph sinker generates plenty of ground balls and can grade as an above-average pitch on good days. He also mixes in a fringy changeup. McCarthy's control is the biggest thing standing between him and a big league role. He showed some improvement early in 2016, but he still needs to work to throw more strikes.