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 seek to address significant struggles at the third base position, where they have received subpar offensive production throughout the season. McMahon, a 30-year-old All-Star in 2024, has been noted for his defensive capabilities, ranking among the top third basemen in the league, but his offensive performance has been inconsistent.
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. Following the trade, McMahon was activated and made his debut for the Yankees in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, batting eighth in the lineup. The Yankees hope that McMahon’s addition will stabilize their infield, which has struggled defensively and offensively.
Key Details
- Trade Participants: New York Yankees received Ryan McMahon; Colorado Rockies received Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz.
- Contract Details: McMahon is owed approximately $4.5 million for the remainder of the 2025 season and $32 million over the next two seasons.
- McMahon’s Performance: In 2025, McMahon has a batting average of .217 with 16 home runs and 35 RBIs over 100 games. He leads the National League with 127 strikeouts.
- Defensive Metrics: McMahon has been recognized for his defensive prowess, ranking in the 91st percentile for Outs Above Average, indicating he is among the best defenders at his position.
- Yankees’ Third Base Situation: The Yankees have struggled at third base, with Oswald Peraza posting a .147 batting average and a 24 wRC+, one of the lowest in MLB history for players with significant plate appearances.
Multiple Perspectives
The trade has elicited varied reactions from analysts and fans alike. Supporters of the Yankees’ decision argue that McMahon’s defensive skills will significantly improve the team’s infield, which has been plagued by errors and poor play. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about McMahon’s potential impact, noting that he has been “swinging the bat well” recently and is a “presence” on the field.
Conversely, some analysts caution about McMahon’s offensive inconsistencies, particularly his below-average performance relative to league standards. Critics point out that despite his defensive strengths, McMahon has not been able to maintain a league-average offensive output throughout his career, raising questions about his ability to contribute significantly to a playoff-contending team. Additionally, the Rockies’ decision to trade McMahon has been interpreted as a sign of their ongoing struggles and potential rebuilding phase, with general manager Bill Schmidt emphasizing the focus on building for a competitive future.
Context & Background
Ryan McMahon was drafted by the Rockies in the second round of the 2013 MLB Draft and made his major league debut in 2017. He became a regular player for the Rockies in 2019 and has since been recognized for his defensive abilities, earning a Gold Glove nomination in 2024. However, his offensive production has been inconsistent, often attributed to the challenges of performing outside the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field.
The Yankees have been in need of a reliable third baseman since releasing DJ LeMahieu earlier in July 2025. This trade marks a significant move for the Yankees as they aim to bolster their roster in pursuit of a playoff spot. The Yankees have also been linked to other potential trades, particularly for pitching, indicating that they are actively seeking to improve their overall team performance.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the trade has been completed, several uncertainties remain. It is unclear how McMahon will adapt to the pressures of playing in New York, particularly after having been a central figure in Colorado’s lineup. Additionally, the long-term implications of this trade for both teams are yet to be fully realized. The performance of the minor league pitchers sent to the Rockies, Herring and Grosz, will also need to be monitored to assess the trade’s overall impact.
Furthermore, the Yankees’ future moves in the trade market, particularly regarding their pitching staff, remain to be seen. As the trade deadline approaches, the Yankees may look to make additional acquisitions to strengthen their roster further. The effectiveness of McMahon in a playoff environment, given his lack of postseason experience since 2018, is another aspect that will be closely watched as the season progresses.
