July 18, 2025
Prospect Ryan McCarty has started playing in the outfield in pro ball since joining Double-A New Hampshire a year ago. McCarty, who played in the outfield a little bit during collegiate summer ball and AAU ball, talks about his transition to the outfield last summer.
“The transition has been great,” explained McCarty. “I played in the outfield a little bit my last year of summer ball and in AAU ball in high school, so it wasn’t totally unfamiliar to me, especially spending some time out there during batting practices and in spring training down in Dunedin. I’m trying to show that I can get all over the field, trying to help the team win any way possible. I think it could not only benefit my career, but hopefully benefit us winning some extra games. I’m doing anything I can to become the best version of myself possible.”
“It’s pretty fun out there now,” McCarty added. “As the hitters get better, you get more action in the outfield. I remember when I was younger, I was never really attracted to it, I always liked the infield better. But now I get to enjoy both of them.”
McCarty has played 14 games in the outfield split between Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Buffalo.
Slashing .262/.361/.379 with an OPS of .740 after 195 at-bats in 2025; McCarty talks about the evolution of his plate approach in pro ball.
“When I look back to Low-A my swing was very one dimensional,” stated McCarty. “There was a very specific group of pitches I could hit then, but I couldn’t hit certain pitches in the zone. I was typically a low ball hitter. There was a big hole in my swing, I adjusted that by changing my posture and with the adjustability of my swing. Understanding that posture changes for each zone: up, middle, and down. That has helped my contact and hard hit ability.”
Splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A in 2025; has allowed McCarty to face really good pitching.
“The biggest difference in Double-A and Triple-A is the pitch location,” said McCarty. “Their pitches are better. They’re able to locate their entire arsenal, essentially to wherever they want. What was fascinating was the week before the all-star break, we got to face Luis Gil of the Yankees on his rehab start. He’s only a three or four pitch guy. It’s good stuff, but it’s incredible how well he commands the zone.”
Be sure to follow Ryan McCarty, as he continues to get reps in the outfield moving forward.