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 deficiency at third base, a position that had seen subpar performance throughout the season. McMahon, a 30-year-old All-Star in 2024, was activated to the Yankees’ roster shortly after the trade and made his debut in the lineup against the Philadelphia Phillies.
McMahon’s acquisition is notable not only for his defensive capabilities but also for the Yankees’ need to improve their offensive output from the third base position. The Yankees had been struggling with their third basemen, particularly Oswald Peraza, who had one of the lowest batting averages in the league. McMahon’s contract includes approximately $4.5 million for the remainder of the 2025 season and $32 million over the next two years, which the Yankees agreed to assume as part of the trade.
Key Details
- Trade Participants: New York Yankees received Ryan McMahon; Colorado Rockies received LHP Griffin Herring and RHP Josh Grosz.
- Contract Details: McMahon is under contract for approximately $4.5 million for the remainder of 2025 and $32 million for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
- Performance Statistics: In 2025, McMahon had a batting average of .217, 16 home runs, and a .717 OPS over 100 games. He led the National League with 127 strikeouts.
- Defensive Metrics: McMahon is recognized as a Gold Glove-caliber defender, ranking in the 91st percentile for Outs Above Average this season.
- Minor League Prospects: Griffin Herring, 22, has a 1.71 ERA in 89.1 innings across 16 starts in the minors, while Josh Grosz, also 22, has a 4.14 ERA in 87 innings over 16 games.
Multiple Perspectives
Opinions on the trade vary among analysts and insiders. Some view McMahon as a valuable addition due to his defensive prowess and potential to stabilize the Yankees’ infield. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about McMahon’s ability to contribute positively, 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, others highlight McMahon’s inconsistent offensive performance, 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’s defense is commendable, his offensive struggles could limit his overall impact. For instance, his OPS+ of 92 suggests he has been 8% worse than the average major league hitter this season.
The Rockies’ perspective emphasizes a strategic shift towards rebuilding. General manager Bill Schmidt noted the importance of acquiring young talent in Herring and Grosz, who are seen as potential contributors in the near future. This trade marks a significant move for the Rockies, who have been criticized for their lack of activity in recent trade deadlines.
Context & Background
The Yankees’ decision to trade for McMahon comes in the context of their disappointing performance in the 2025 season, where they have struggled with injuries and inconsistent play. The team’s third base position has been particularly problematic, with players like Peraza failing to deliver offensively. McMahon’s arrival is intended to provide both immediate improvement and long-term stability at a position that has seen frequent turnover.
For the Rockies, this trade represents a shift in strategy as they look to rebuild after several disappointing seasons. McMahon, who has spent his entire career with the Rockies, was seen as a valuable asset, but the team’s poor performance in 2025 (26-76 record) prompted a reevaluation of their roster. The trade allows them to acquire promising young pitchers while moving forward with a focus on future competitiveness.
What We Don’t Know Yet
Several uncertainties remain following the trade. It is unclear how McMahon will adapt to the pressures of playing in New York, especially after spending his career in Colorado, where expectations and media scrutiny differ significantly. Additionally, while McMahon has shown signs of improvement in recent games, it remains to be seen whether he can consistently perform at a higher level in a new environment.
For the Rockies, the development of Herring and Grosz will be closely monitored. Both pitchers have shown promise in the minors, but their transition to the major leagues is uncertain. The Rockies will need to effectively develop these players to justify the trade and enhance their future competitiveness.
Overall, the trade of Ryan McMahon to the Yankees reflects both teams’ strategic priorities: the Yankees seeking immediate improvement and the Rockies focusing on long-term rebuilding. The success of this trade will ultimately depend on McMahon’s performance in New York and the development of the prospects acquired by the Rockies.
