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. This trade comes as the Yankees sought to address a significant gap in their lineup at third base, a position that had been underperforming throughout the season. 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.
The Yankees assumed 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 has had a mixed offensive season, batting .217 with 16 home runs and a .717 OPS, but has been recognized for his defensive capabilities, ranking among the top third basemen in the league for his fielding performance.
Key Details
- Trade Details: Yankees received Ryan McMahon; Rockies received Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz.
- Contract: McMahon is under contract for two more seasons, owed $32 million plus approximately $4.5 million for the rest of 2025.
- Performance Statistics: McMahon has a batting average of .217, 16 home runs, and a .717 OPS in 100 games for the Rockies in 2025. He leads the National League with 127 strikeouts.
- Defensive Metrics: McMahon is noted for his defensive prowess, ranking in the 91st percentile with four Outs Above Average, making him a significant upgrade for a Yankees team that has struggled defensively.
- Minor League Prospects: Herring, 22, has a 1.71 ERA in 89⅓ innings across 16 starts in the minors, while Grosz, also 22, has a 4.14 ERA in 87 innings over 16 games.
Multiple Perspectives
The acquisition of McMahon has drawn mixed reactions among analysts and fans. Supporters of the trade argue that McMahon’s defensive skills and potential for offensive improvement make him a valuable asset for the Yankees, especially given the team’s struggles at third base this season. Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasized McMahon’s experience and defensive capabilities, stating, “He is a presence and can really defend over there at third.”
Conversely, some analysts express skepticism regarding McMahon’s offensive consistency. Critics point out that despite his All-Star status, McMahon has never posted an above-average offensive season, raising concerns about his ability to contribute significantly to the Yankees’ lineup. The Yankees have been linked to other third base options, such as Eugenio Suárez, who is perceived to offer more offensive upside, although McMahon’s left-handed swing is expected to play well in Yankee Stadium.
Context & Background
The Yankees’ decision to trade for McMahon comes amid a challenging season where they have struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance, particularly at third base. The team had previously relied on Oswald Peraza, who has posted one of the lowest batting averages in the league this season. The Yankees’ need for a reliable third baseman became more pressing after releasing DJ LeMahieu earlier in July.
McMahon’s departure from the Rockies marks a significant move for a franchise that has been slow to engage in trades in recent years. The Rockies are currently in a rebuilding phase, and trading McMahon, a player they selected in the second round of the 2013 draft, reflects their strategy to build for the future by acquiring young pitching talent.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the trade has been completed, several uncertainties remain. It is unclear how McMahon will adapt to the pressures of playing in New York, especially after spending his entire career in Colorado, where he faced less scrutiny. Additionally, the long-term impact of this trade on both teams is yet to be determined, particularly regarding the development of Herring and Grosz in the Rockies’ system.
The Yankees also have further needs to address, particularly in their pitching staff, and it remains to be seen how they will approach the remainder of the trade deadline. The effectiveness of McMahon in improving the Yankees’ performance and whether he can maintain his defensive excellence while enhancing his offensive output will be closely monitored as the season progresses.
