What Happened
The New York Yankees made a significant move ahead of the MLB trade deadline by acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies. The trade, announced on July 25, 2025, involved the Yankees sending minor league pitchers Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz to the Rockies in exchange for McMahon, who is under contract for approximately $36.5 million over the next two and a half seasons. McMahon, a former All-Star, was activated to the Yankees’ roster and made his debut shortly after the trade.
The Yankees’ decision to acquire McMahon comes in response to ongoing struggles at the third base position, where they have received subpar offensive production this season. McMahon’s defensive capabilities and left-handed batting profile were seen as key assets to bolster a Yankees team that has experienced defensive lapses and offensive inconsistency. However, shortly after the trade, the Yankees faced a setback, losing a high-scoring game against the Miami Marlins 13-12, where their newly acquired bullpen struggled significantly.
Key Details
- Trade Details: The Yankees received Ryan McMahon, while the Rockies received pitching prospects Griffin Herring and 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 had a batting average of .217 with 16 home runs and a .717 OPS, alongside a National League-leading 127 strikeouts. He is recognized for his defensive skills, ranking among the top third basemen in the league with four Outs Above Average.
- Yankees’ Third Base Struggles: The Yankees had been using Oswald Peraza at third base, who was batting .147 with a 24 wRC+, one of the lowest in MLB history for players with significant plate appearances.
- Recent Game Performance: In a game against the Marlins, the Yankees led multiple times but ultimately lost, with their bullpen allowing seven runs to score after they had a comfortable lead.
Multiple Perspectives
Opinions on the trade and its immediate impact vary. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about McMahon’s potential, highlighting his defensive prowess and recent offensive improvements. Boone stated, “He has had some ups and downs offensively this year… but he’s a presence, and he can really defend over there at third.” This sentiment reflects a belief that McMahon can stabilize the Yankees’ infield and contribute positively in a high-pressure environment.
Conversely, some analysts have raised concerns about McMahon’s offensive consistency, noting that he has never had a season where he performed at least league-average offensively. Critics argue that while his defense is commendable, his offensive output may not significantly improve the Yankees’ overall performance. For example, his performance at Coors Field, a hitter-friendly park, raises questions about how he will adapt to the more challenging hitting conditions at Yankee Stadium.
Additionally, the Yankees’ bullpen’s dismal performance in their first game following the trade has led to skepticism about the team’s ability to compete effectively. The newly acquired pitchers, including David Bednar, Jake Bird, and Camilo Doval, were expected to enhance the bullpen but instead contributed to a historic loss, prompting discussions about the effectiveness of the Yankees’ trade strategy.
Context & Background
The Yankees’ acquisition of McMahon comes amidst a broader context of a struggling season for the team. With aspirations for a playoff run, the Yankees have faced challenges, particularly in their infield and bullpen. The decision to trade for McMahon reflects a strategic pivot to address these weaknesses, especially after the release of DJ LeMahieu and the struggles of Peraza.
The Rockies, on the other hand, are in a rebuilding phase, having traded McMahon, a player who had been a significant part of their roster. This trade signals a shift in their organizational strategy, focusing on developing younger talent, as evidenced by their acquisition of Herring and Grosz, who are seen as potential contributors in the future.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the trade for McMahon addresses an immediate need for the Yankees, uncertainties remain regarding his adaptation to the Yankees’ environment and the overall effectiveness of the team’s new acquisitions. Specifically, it is unclear how McMahon will perform under the pressure of New York’s expectations and whether he can maintain his defensive excellence while improving offensively.
Moreover, the long-term impact of the trade on the Yankees’ roster composition and their ability to compete in the postseason remains to be seen. The performance of the newly acquired pitchers in the bullpen will also be closely monitored, as their initial outings have raised concerns about the Yankees’ pitching depth and effectiveness moving forward.
As the season progresses, the Yankees will need to evaluate not only McMahon’s contributions but also the overall cohesion of their roster as they aim for a successful playoff run.
