What Happened
On July 25, 2025, the New York Yankees completed a trade with the Colorado Rockies, acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon in exchange for minor league pitchers Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz. The Yankees will take on the remainder of McMahon’s contract, which includes approximately $4.5 million for the remainder of the 2025 season and $32 million over the next two seasons. McMahon, a 30-year-old All-Star, was activated to the Yankees’ roster shortly after the trade and made his debut in the lineup against the Philadelphia Phillies.
McMahon’s performance in the 2025 season has been mixed; he is batting .217 with 16 home runs and a .717 OPS, while also leading the National League with 127 strikeouts. However, he has shown improvement since a slow start, hitting .246 with 14 home runs and an .804 OPS in the month leading up to the trade. Defensively, McMahon is recognized as a Gold Glove-caliber player, ranking third in the majors for Outs Above Average.
Key Details
- Trade Participants: New York Yankees and Colorado Rockies.
- Players Involved: Yankees received Ryan McMahon; Rockies received minor league pitchers Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz.
- Contract Details: McMahon is owed approximately $4.5 million for the remainder of the 2025 season and $32 million over the next two seasons.
- Performance Metrics:
- McMahon’s 2025 statistics: .217 batting average, 16 home runs, .717 OPS, and 127 strikeouts.
- Defensive metrics: 4 Outs Above Average, ranking third in the majors.
- Minor League Prospects:
- Griffin Herring (22 years old): 1.71 ERA in 89.1 innings across Low- and High-A.
- Josh Grosz (22 years old): 4.14 ERA in 87 innings over 16 games at High-A.
Multiple Perspectives
The trade has elicited various opinions among analysts and fans. Supporters of the trade argue that McMahon fills a critical need for the Yankees at third base, where they have struggled offensively and defensively. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed excitement about McMahon’s potential to enhance the team’s defense and contribute offensively, stating, “He has had some ups and downs offensively this year… but he’s a presence, and he can really defend over there at third.”
Conversely, some analysts caution that McMahon’s offensive production has not been league-average throughout his career, raising questions about his ability to perform consistently in a high-pressure environment like New York. Critics point out that while McMahon’s defense is elite, his offensive struggles, particularly away from Coors Field, could limit his overall impact. The Rockies’ decision to trade McMahon has also been viewed as a step toward rebuilding, with general manager Bill Schmidt emphasizing the importance of acquiring young talent for the future.
Context & Background
The Yankees’ acquisition of McMahon comes amid a challenging season for the team, which has seen a series of injuries and inconsistent play. The Yankees had been using Oswald Peraza at third base, but his performance has been subpar, with a .147 batting average and a wRC+ of 24, ranking him among the worst hitters in the league. The decision to trade for McMahon reflects the Yankees’ urgency to stabilize their infield and improve their chances of competing for a playoff spot.
McMahon’s career has been closely tied to the Rockies, where he was drafted in 2013 and developed into a key player. His departure marks a significant moment for the Rockies, who have struggled in recent seasons and are currently positioned at the bottom of the NL West standings. The trade represents a shift in strategy for the Rockies, who are looking to build for the future by acquiring promising young pitchers.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the trade has been finalized, several uncertainties remain. The immediate impact of McMahon on the Yankees’ performance is yet to be seen, particularly how he will adjust to playing in New York after spending his entire career in Colorado. Additionally, the long-term success of the trade will depend on the development of Herring and Grosz within the Rockies’ organization.
There are also questions about the Yankees’ future moves, as they may seek to bolster their pitching staff following the acquisition of McMahon. Speculation surrounds potential targets, but no concrete information has emerged regarding further trades or signings. The effectiveness of McMahon’s transition to the Yankees and the performance of the traded prospects will be critical factors to monitor in the coming months.
