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 significant struggles at the third base position, where they had received subpar offensive production 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.
The Yankees took on McMahon’s contract, which includes approximately $4.5 million for the remainder of the 2025 season and $32 million over the next two years. In return, the Rockies received two young pitching prospects who have yet to reach Double-A, indicating a focus on future development for Colorado.
Key Details
- Trade Participants: New York Yankees received Ryan McMahon; Colorado Rockies received Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz.
- Contract Details: McMahon is owed about $4.5 million for the rest of the 2025 season and $32 million for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
- Player Performance: In 2025, McMahon had a batting average of .217 with 16 home runs and a .717 OPS, leading the National League in strikeouts with 127 in 100 games. However, his performance improved significantly in the month leading up to the trade, where he batted .246 with 14 home runs and an .804 OPS.
- Defensive Metrics: McMahon is recognized for his defensive capabilities, ranking in the 91st percentile for Outs Above Average, making him one of the top defensive third basemen in the league.
- Yankees’ Third Base Struggles: The Yankees had a combined OPS of .645 from their third basemen this season, one of the lowest in Major League Baseball. Oswald Peraza, who had been the primary third baseman, was struggling offensively with a .147 batting average and a wRC+ of 24.
Multiple Perspectives
The trade has garnered mixed reactions from analysts and fans alike. Supporters of the trade argue that McMahon’s defensive prowess and potential for offensive improvement make him a valuable addition to the Yankees. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about McMahon’s ability to thrive in New York, stating, “He is a presence and can really defend over there at third base for a number of years. We’re excited to get him.”
Conversely, some critics point to McMahon’s inconsistent offensive performance, noting that he has never had a season with a league-average wRC+ despite playing in a hitter-friendly environment at Coors Field. This raises questions about his ability to replicate or exceed his past production in New York, particularly given the pressures of playing for a high-profile franchise.
From the Rockies’ perspective, general manager Bill Schmidt emphasized the need to build for a competitive future, suggesting that trading McMahon was a strategic decision to acquire young talent. Herring and Grosz, while not elite prospects, are viewed as potential contributors to the Rockies’ pitching staff in the coming years.
Context & Background
The trade reflects broader trends in Major League Baseball, particularly regarding the Yankees’ ongoing pursuit of improvement amid a disappointing season. The Yankees have struggled defensively, and McMahon’s acquisition is seen as a step toward stabilizing the third base position, which has been a point of contention for the team. The Yankees’ decision to move Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base and release DJ LeMahieu earlier in the month highlighted their urgency to address the situation.
McMahon’s departure from the Rockies marks a significant moment for the franchise, which has been in a rebuilding phase since trading away star players like Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story. The Rockies’ willingness to part with McMahon, a player they had invested in, signals a shift in their approach to roster management and a commitment to developing younger talent.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the immediate implications of the trade are clear, several uncertainties remain. It is still too early to assess how McMahon will adapt to the Yankees’ environment and whether he can maintain the offensive improvements he demonstrated prior to the trade. Additionally, the long-term impact of the trade on both teams—specifically, how Herring and Grosz will develop within the Rockies’ system—remains to be seen.
Furthermore, the Yankees’ plans for the remainder of the season, including potential moves to bolster their pitching staff, are still unfolding. As they seek to enhance their roster further, the effectiveness of McMahon in addressing their third base needs will be closely monitored by analysts and fans alike.
