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 was announced as the MLB trade deadline approached, with the Yankees looking to address a significant need at third base following a series of underwhelming performances from their current players at that position. McMahon, a 30-year-old All-Star from the previous season, was activated to the Yankees’ roster shortly after the trade and made his debut in the lineup against the Philadelphia Phillies.
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 years. This acquisition is seen as a strategic move to bolster the Yankees’ infield defense and offensive capabilities, particularly given the struggles of their previous third baseman, Oswald Peraza, who had one of the lowest batting averages in the league this season.
Key Details
- Trade Participants: New York Yankees received Ryan McMahon; Colorado Rockies received pitching prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz.
- Contract Details: McMahon is under contract for the remainder of the 2025 season at $4.5 million and $32 million for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
- Player Statistics: In 2025, McMahon had a batting average of .217 with 16 home runs and a .717 OPS, while leading the National League with 127 strikeouts. His defensive metrics ranked him among the top third basemen in the league, with four Outs Above Average.
- Minor League Prospects: Herring, a 22-year-old left-handed pitcher, had a 1.71 ERA in 89.1 innings across Low- and High-A levels. Grosz, also 22, had a 4.14 ERA in 87 innings at High-A Hudson Valley.
- Yankees’ Third Base Situation: The Yankees had received subpar offensive production from their third basemen, with a collective OPS of .645, ranking among the worst in MLB.
Multiple Perspectives
The trade has garnered mixed reactions from analysts and fans. Supporters of the acquisition argue that McMahon’s defensive prowess and potential for improved offensive performance make him a valuable asset for the Yankees. Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasized McMahon’s experience and defensive skills, stating, “He has had his ups and downs offensively this year… but he’s a presence, and he can really defend over there at third.”
Conversely, some analysts express skepticism about McMahon’s offensive consistency, noting that he has never posted an above-average offensive season despite playing in a hitter-friendly environment at Coors Field. Critics argue that while McMahon may provide stability defensively, his offensive output may not significantly improve the Yankees’ overall performance. For instance, his 92 OPS+ indicates he has been 8% below the league average offensively this season.
The Rockies’ perspective focuses on a rebuilding strategy, as they parted with a player who had become a cornerstone of their roster. General Manager Bill Schmidt highlighted the potential of the young pitchers acquired in the trade, stating, “We’re excited to welcome Griffin and Josh to the organization. They’re both highly talented young pitchers with the potential to make a meaningful impact at the major-league level in the near future.”
Context & Background
The trade comes at a crucial time for the Yankees, who are aiming for a playoff push in a competitive American League landscape. The team’s struggles at third base have been a notable issue, particularly after the release of DJ LeMahieu and the underperformance of Oswald Peraza. McMahon’s addition is viewed as a necessary step to stabilize the infield and enhance the team’s defensive capabilities.
The Rockies, on the other hand, have been in a prolonged state of decline, currently positioned at the bottom of the NL West with a record of 26-76. This trade signals a shift in their approach, as they look to build for the future by acquiring young talent. The decision to move McMahon, who was once seen as a key player, reflects a broader strategy to rebuild the team.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the immediate implications of the trade are clear, several uncertainties remain. It is yet to be determined how McMahon will adapt to the pressures of playing in New York, especially after spending his entire career in Colorado. His performance in the coming months will be closely monitored, particularly regarding his ability to improve offensively away from Coors Field.
Additionally, the long-term impact of the trade on both teams is still unknown. For the Yankees, the effectiveness of McMahon in their lineup and his contribution to a potential playoff run will be critical. For the Rockies, the development of Herring and Grosz will be a key factor in assessing the success of this trade. As both teams navigate their respective paths, the outcomes of this transaction will likely influence their strategies moving forward.
