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 shortly before the MLB trade deadline, addressing a significant need for the Yankees at the third base position, which had been a source of concern due to poor offensive performance throughout the season. McMahon, a 30-year-old All-Star from the previous season, was activated to the Yankees’ roster and made his debut for the team shortly after the trade.
The Yankees took on the remainder of McMahon’s contract, which includes approximately $4.5 million for the rest of the 2025 season and $32 million over the next two seasons. McMahon’s performance in 2025 has been mixed; he has a batting average of .217 with 16 home runs and a .717 OPS, but he is recognized for his defensive capabilities, ranking among the top third basemen in the league for his fielding skills.
Key Details
- Trade Participants: New York Yankees received Ryan McMahon; Colorado Rockies received LHP Griffin Herring and RHP Josh Grosz.
- Contract Details: McMahon is owed $4.5 million for the remainder of the 2025 season and $32 million for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
- Performance Stats: As of the trade, 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 Gold Glove-caliber defense, ranking third in the majors with four Outs Above Average.
- Minor League Prospects: Griffin Herring has a 1.71 ERA in 89.1 innings pitched across Low- and High-A levels, while Josh Grosz has a 4.14 ERA in 87 innings at High-A Hudson Valley.
Multiple Perspectives
The trade has garnered mixed reactions from analysts and fans alike. Supporters of the move argue that McMahon fills a critical gap for the Yankees, who have struggled offensively at third base, with Oswald Peraza posting one of the lowest batting averages in the league. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about McMahon’s potential to thrive in a new environment, stating, “He can really defend over there at third and has for a number of years. So, we’re excited to get him.”
Conversely, some analysts caution that while McMahon’s defensive skills are impressive, his offensive production has not consistently met league averages. Critics point out that McMahon has never had a season with a wRC+ above average, even while playing at Coors Field, a hitter-friendly environment. This raises questions about his ability to perform in a more challenging setting like Yankee Stadium.
Additionally, the Rockies’ decision to trade McMahon has been interpreted as a sign of their ongoing rebuilding efforts. General Manager Bill Schmidt acknowledged the difficulty of parting with a player of McMahon’s caliber but emphasized the need to focus on building for the future.
Context & Background
Ryan McMahon was drafted by the Rockies in 2013 and has spent his entire career with the team, becoming a regular starter in 2019. His tenure in Colorado has been marked by both individual achievements, such as being named an All-Star in 2024, and team struggles, as the Rockies have consistently underperformed in recent seasons. The team currently holds one of the worst records in Major League Baseball, prompting a reevaluation of their roster.
The Yankees, on the other hand, have been under pressure to improve their performance as they pursue a playoff spot. The third base position has been particularly problematic, with the team cycling through multiple players and struggling with defensive errors. The acquisition of McMahon is seen as a strategic move to stabilize the position and enhance the team’s overall performance as they aim for postseason success.
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 having been the focal point of a struggling Rockies team. His performance in the coming weeks will be closely monitored to determine if he can meet the Yankees’ expectations.
Additionally, the long-term implications of the trade for both teams are yet to be fully realized. The Yankees will need to assess McMahon’s impact on their roster and whether he can contribute to their playoff aspirations. For the Rockies, the development of Herring and Grosz will be critical in evaluating the success of the trade. Both pitchers are still in the early stages of their careers, and their progression will be a key factor in the Rockies’ rebuilding strategy.
Overall, the trade represents a significant moment for both franchises, with the Yankees looking to bolster their chances for immediate success and the Rockies signaling a commitment to future competitiveness.
