What Happened
On July 25, 2025, the New York Yankees announced the acquisition of 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 seasons. McMahon, who was activated to the Yankees’ roster shortly after the trade, is expected to address the Yankees’ ongoing struggles at third base, a position that has seen subpar performance throughout the season.
McMahon, a 30-year-old All-Star in 2024, has had a challenging season, batting .217 with 16 home runs and a .717 OPS in 100 games. However, he has shown improvement in recent weeks, particularly after the All-Star break. Defensively, McMahon is regarded as a Gold Glove-caliber player, ranking among the top third basemen in the league for defensive metrics. The Yankees hope that McMahon’s skills will bolster their infield defense, which has been criticized for inconsistency.
Key Details
- Trade Details: The Yankees received Ryan McMahon, while the Rockies acquired Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz.
- Contract: McMahon is under contract for approximately $4.5 million for the remainder of 2025 and $32 million for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
- Performance: In 2025, McMahon has a batting average of .217, 16 home runs, and a .717 OPS, with a league-leading 127 strikeouts. His recent performance has improved, with a .246 batting average and 14 home runs since a poor start to the season.
- Defensive Metrics: McMahon has a defensive rating of 4 Outs Above Average, ranking him third in the majors for third basemen.
- Yankees’ Context: The Yankees have struggled at third base, receiving a .645 OPS from that position, which ranks among the worst in Major League Baseball. Oswald Peraza, who has played most of the games at third, has a notably low batting average of .147.
Multiple Perspectives
Opinions on the trade vary among analysts and fans. Supporters of the trade argue that McMahon’s defensive prowess and potential for offensive improvement make him a valuable addition to a Yankees team that has struggled at third base. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about McMahon’s ability to thrive in New York, stating, “He has had some ups and downs offensively this year… but he’s a presence, and he can really defend over there at third.”
Conversely, some analysts caution that McMahon’s offensive statistics have consistently been below league average, particularly when considering his performance at Coors Field, a hitter-friendly environment. Critics point out that while McMahon may improve the Yankees’ defense, his offensive contributions may not significantly elevate the team’s overall performance. The Rockies’ general manager, Bill Schmidt, acknowledged the difficulty of parting with McMahon but emphasized the need for the Rockies to build for the future.
Context & Background
The trade comes at a crucial time for the Yankees, who are competing for a playoff spot and have faced challenges with their infield defense and offensive production. The organization had recently released DJ LeMahieu and moved Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base, creating an urgent need for a reliable third baseman. McMahon’s acquisition is seen as a strategic move to stabilize the position for the remainder of the season and beyond.
For the Rockies, the trade represents a shift in strategy as they look to rebuild. By acquiring two young pitchers who have shown promise in the minor leagues, the Rockies are focusing on developing talent for the future. Herring and Grosz, while not immediate contributors, are viewed as potential assets for the Rockies’ pitching staff.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the trade has been completed, uncertainties remain regarding how McMahon will adapt to the Yankees’ environment and whether he can sustain his recent offensive improvements. Additionally, the long-term impact of the trade on both teams is yet to be determined, particularly in terms of how Herring and Grosz will develop within the Rockies’ system. The Yankees are also expected to pursue further trades to bolster their pitching staff, and it remains to be seen how these moves will unfold as the trade deadline approaches.
