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 are taking 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 years. McMahon, a 30-year-old All-Star, was activated to the Yankees’ roster shortly after the trade and made his debut in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
This trade comes as the Yankees have struggled with their third base position, receiving subpar offensive production from players like Oswald Peraza, who has a .147 batting average this season. McMahon’s addition is expected to provide both offensive and defensive upgrades at the hot corner, as he has been recognized for his defensive capabilities, ranking among the top third basemen in the league.
Key Details
- Trade Details: Yankees receive Ryan McMahon; Rockies receive LHP Griffin Herring and RHP Josh Grosz.
- Contract: McMahon is owed approximately $4.5 million for the remainder of the 2025 season and $32 million over the next two seasons.
- Performance: In 2025, McMahon has a batting average of .217 with 16 home runs and a .717 OPS, leading the National League with 127 strikeouts. However, he has shown improvement in recent weeks, batting .246 since April.
- Defensive Metrics: McMahon is noted for his Gold Glove-caliber defense, with four Outs Above Average, ranking him third in the majors.
- Yankees’ Needs: The Yankees have struggled defensively at third base, and McMahon is expected to stabilize the position after a series of errors from previous players.
Multiple Perspectives
The trade has generated a range of opinions among analysts and insiders. Some view McMahon as a significant upgrade for the Yankees, particularly in terms of defense. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about McMahon’s ability to thrive in New York, suggesting that the pressure of being “the guy” will be alleviated given the presence of established stars like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
Conversely, some analysts caution that McMahon’s offensive production has not been consistently above average, even playing in the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field. Critics point out that his overall performance metrics indicate he has been below league average offensively, which raises questions about his ability to contribute significantly to the Yankees’ lineup.
The Rockies’ perspective is also noteworthy. General manager Bill Schmidt emphasized the need to build for the future, indicating that trading McMahon was part of a broader strategy to acquire young talent. Herring and Grosz, while not elite prospects, are seen as valuable additions to the Rockies’ pitching depth.
Context & Background
The Yankees’ acquisition of McMahon comes at a critical juncture in their season, as they aim to improve their chances for a playoff run. The team has faced challenges with injuries and inconsistent performances, particularly at third base, where they have cycled through multiple players. McMahon’s defensive skills are expected to address these issues, particularly after the Yankees committed multiple errors in recent games.
For the Rockies, the trade represents a shift in strategy as they look to rebuild after several disappointing seasons. McMahon was the most prominent player traded since Nolan Arenado’s departure, reflecting a recognition of the need for change within the organization. The Rockies’ current standing, with a record of 26-76, underscores the urgency of this transition.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the trade has been finalized, several uncertainties remain. It is unclear how McMahon will adapt to the pressures of playing in New York, especially after spending his entire career with the Rockies. His performance in a playoff environment will also be closely monitored, as he has not participated in postseason play since 2018.
Additionally, the long-term impact of this trade on both teams is yet to be determined. The effectiveness of Herring and Grosz in the Rockies’ system will be evaluated over time, as will McMahon’s ability to meet the Yankees’ expectations. The Yankees may also pursue further trades to bolster their pitching staff, which could affect their overall strategy moving forward.
In summary, the trade of Ryan McMahon to the Yankees marks a significant move for both franchises, with implications for their immediate performance and future directions. The success of this trade will depend on McMahon’s ability to deliver both offensively and defensively, as well as the development of the young pitchers acquired by the Rockies.
