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. The Yankees took 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, who was activated to the Yankees’ roster shortly after the trade, is expected to address a significant need for the team at third base, a position that has been a weakness for them throughout the season.
McMahon, a 30-year-old All-Star in 2024, has had a challenging season in 2025, batting .217 with 16 home runs and a .717 OPS in 100 games. Despite his offensive struggles, he is recognized for his defensive prowess, ranking among the top third basemen in the league with a Gold Glove-caliber performance. The Yankees hope that McMahon can provide both stability and improved performance at the hot corner, especially after a series of subpar performances from their previous third baseman, Oswald Peraza.
Key Details
- Trade Date: July 25, 2025
- Teams Involved: New York Yankees and Colorado Rockies
- Players Involved:
- Yankees receive: Ryan McMahon (3B)
- Rockies receive: Griffin Herring (LHP), Josh Grosz (RHP)
- Contract Details: McMahon is owed approximately $4.5 million for the remainder of 2025 and $32 million over the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
- McMahon’s 2025 Stats:
- Batting Average: .217
- Home Runs: 16
- OPS: .717
- Strikeouts: 127 (leading the National League)
- Defensive Metrics: McMahon has a defensive rating of 4 Outs Above Average, placing him in the 91st percentile among major league third basemen.
Multiple Perspectives
The trade has been met with varying opinions. Supporters of the move argue that McMahon’s defensive capabilities and left-handed bat will significantly improve the Yankees’ infield, especially given their struggles at third base this season. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about McMahon’s potential impact, noting his experience as an All-Star and his ability to perform under pressure.
Conversely, critics point to McMahon’s inconsistent offensive performance, particularly his low batting average and high strikeout rate. Some analysts suggest that while he may be an upgrade over Peraza, his overall offensive output has not been league average, raising concerns about his ability to contribute meaningfully to the Yankees’ playoff aspirations. Additionally, the Rockies’ decision to trade McMahon has been interpreted as a recognition of their rebuilding phase, with general manager Bill Schmidt emphasizing the need to focus on building for the future.
Context & Background
The Yankees’ acquisition of McMahon comes at a time when the team is looking to bolster its roster as it aims for a playoff push. The Yankees have struggled defensively at third base, with Peraza’s performance being notably poor, as evidenced by his .147 batting average and a wRC+ of 24, which ranks among the lowest in the league. The decision to trade for McMahon reflects the Yankees’ need for a reliable player at a critical position.
From the Rockies’ perspective, trading McMahon marks a significant move as they continue to navigate a difficult season, currently standing at 26-76. The organization has been criticized for its inability to develop talent and compete in the National League West. By trading McMahon, the Rockies are looking to acquire young pitching prospects who could contribute to their future success. Herring and Grosz, while not elite prospects, have shown promise in the minor leagues, with Herring posting a 1.71 ERA in 89.1 innings pitched this season.
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, a team that has struggled in recent years. The Yankees hope that the change in environment will positively impact his performance, but this remains to be seen.
Additionally, the long-term implications of the trade for both teams are still uncertain. For the Yankees, the effectiveness of McMahon in their lineup and his ability to contribute to a potential playoff run will be closely monitored. For the Rockies, the development of Herring and Grosz will be critical in determining the success of this trade and their overall rebuilding strategy.
Overall, the trade represents a pivotal moment for both franchises, with the Yankees seeking immediate improvement and the Rockies focusing on future competitiveness.
