What Happened
On July 25, 2025, the New York Yankees acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for minor league pitchers Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz. The Yankees assumed 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 with the team 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 leading the National League in strikeouts. However, he has shown improvement in recent weeks, raising his batting average to .246 after a slow start. Defensively, he is regarded as a Gold Glove-caliber player, ranking third in the majors with four Outs Above Average this season. The Yankees, who have struggled defensively at third base, hope McMahon will provide stability at the position.
Key Details
- Trade Details: Yankees received Ryan McMahon; Rockies received LHP Griffin Herring and RHP Josh Grosz.
- Contract: McMahon is owed approximately $4.5 million for the remainder of 2025 and $32 million over the next two seasons.
- Performance: McMahon has a .217 batting average, 16 home runs, and a .717 OPS in 100 games this season. He leads the NL in strikeouts with 127.
- Defensive Metrics: McMahon has four Outs Above Average, ranking him among the top defenders at third base.
- Yankees’ Third Base Situation: The Yankees have struggled at third base, receiving a .645 OPS from that position this season, ranking eighth worst in MLB.
Multiple Perspectives
The trade has elicited various opinions among analysts and insiders. Some view McMahon as a significant upgrade for the Yankees, particularly defensively. Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasized McMahon’s potential to contribute positively to the team’s defense and his recent offensive improvements. “He has had his ups and downs offensively this year… but he’s a presence, and he can really defend over there at third,” Boone stated.
Conversely, some analysts express caution regarding McMahon’s offensive consistency. Despite being an All-Star in 2024, he has never posted an above-average offensive season, and his current wRC+ of 92 indicates he is 8% below the league average. Critics argue that while McMahon’s defense is commendable, his offensive struggles could limit his overall impact on the Yankees, especially in a high-pressure environment like New York.
From the Rockies’ perspective, general manager Bill Schmidt noted the importance of building for the future, stating, “While it is never easy to part ways with a player and person of Ryan’s caliber, our focus at this deadline is to build for a competitive future.” The Rockies received two young pitchers who have shown promise in the minors, suggesting a strategic shift towards rebuilding.
Context & Background
The Yankees’ acquisition of McMahon comes at a critical juncture in their season. With aspirations for a playoff run, the team has been seeking to address deficiencies at third base, particularly after releasing DJ LeMahieu and moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base. McMahon’s addition is seen as a necessary step to improve the Yankees’ infield defense, which has been marred by errors and inconsistent play.
McMahon’s history with the Rockies, where he played for nine seasons and developed into a key player, adds another layer to the narrative. His departure marks a significant moment for the Rockies, who have struggled in recent years and are currently positioned at the bottom of the NL West standings. The trade reflects a broader trend in MLB, where teams are increasingly willing to engage in trades that prioritize future potential over immediate returns.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the initial trade details are clear, several uncertainties remain. It is yet to be seen how McMahon will adapt to the Yankees’ environment and whether he can maintain his recent offensive improvements. Additionally, the long-term impact of the trade on both teams will depend on the development of the pitchers acquired by the Rockies, Herring and Grosz, and how they perform at the major league level.
Furthermore, the Yankees’ plans for the remainder of the trade deadline are still unfolding. With McMahon now in the fold, the focus may shift to bolstering their pitching staff, a need that has been exacerbated by injuries throughout the season. The Yankees’ next moves will be closely monitored as they aim to solidify their roster for a playoff push.
In summary, the trade for Ryan McMahon represents a strategic decision by the Yankees to address a critical need while also reflecting the Rockies’ commitment to rebuilding. The outcomes of this trade will be evaluated in the context of both teams’ performances in the coming seasons.
