What Happened
On July 25, 2025, the New York Yankees completed a trade with the Colorado Rockies, acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon in exchange for minor league pitchers Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz. The Yankees assumed McMahon’s remaining contract, which includes approximately $4.5 million for the rest 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 fill a significant gap at third base for the team, which has struggled in that position throughout the season.
McMahon, a 30-year-old All-Star in 2024, has had a mixed offensive season, batting .217 with 16 home runs and a .717 OPS in 100 games for the Rockies. However, he has shown improvement since a slow start, and his defensive capabilities are highly regarded, with a Gold Glove-caliber performance this season. The Yankees, who have faced difficulties in their infield defense, hope that McMahon’s arrival will stabilize their performance at third base.
Key Details
- Trade Participants: New York Yankees receive Ryan McMahon; Colorado Rockies receive minor league pitchers Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz.
- Contract Details: McMahon is under contract for approximately $4.5 million for the remainder of 2025 and $32 million for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
- Player Statistics: McMahon has a batting average of .217, 16 home runs, 35 RBIs, and a .717 OPS in 100 games for the Rockies in 2025. He leads the National League with 127 strikeouts.
- Defensive Metrics: McMahon has four Outs Above Average, ranking him third in the majors for defensive performance at third base.
- Trade Context: The Yankees have struggled offensively at third base, with Oswald Peraza posting a .147 batting average and a wRC+ of 24, one of the lowest in MLB history.
Multiple Perspectives
The trade has garnered mixed reactions among analysts and fans. Supporters of the trade argue that McMahon’s defensive skills and left-handed power make him a valuable addition to a Yankees team that has been plagued by defensive errors and inconsistent offensive production at third base. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about McMahon’s potential impact, stating, “He has been an All-Star third baseman and a really good defender… We’re excited to get him.”
Conversely, some analysts caution that while McMahon’s defense is elite, his offensive production has not been consistently above average, even when playing in the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field. Critics point out that McMahon’s .217 batting average and high strikeout rate raise concerns about his ability to contribute significantly to the Yankees’ lineup. Furthermore, his performance away from Coors Field has historically been less impressive, which could impact his effectiveness in New York.
From the Rockies’ perspective, the trade signifies a shift towards rebuilding, as they acquire two young pitching prospects in Herring and Grosz. Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt noted the importance of building for a competitive future, emphasizing the potential impact of the young arms they received in return.
Context & Background
The trade comes at a crucial time for both teams. The Yankees, currently in pursuit of a playoff spot, have been looking to address their deficiencies at third base, particularly after releasing DJ LeMahieu and moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base. McMahon’s addition is seen as a necessary step to improve their chances of success in the postseason.
For the Rockies, the decision to trade McMahon marks a departure from their previous strategy of holding onto established players. The team has struggled significantly this season, with a record of 26-76 as of the trade date, and this move is viewed as part of a broader effort to rebuild and develop younger talent. McMahon’s departure opens the door for Warming Bernabel, a promising prospect who is expected to take over at third base.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the trade has been finalized, several uncertainties remain. The long-term impact of McMahon’s performance in New York is yet to be determined, particularly how he will adjust to the pressures of playing in a major market after years with the struggling Rockies. Additionally, the effectiveness of Herring and Grosz in the Rockies’ system and their potential to contribute at the major league level is unknown.
Moreover, the Yankees’ plans for further roster adjustments, particularly in their pitching staff, remain to be seen. With the trade deadline approaching, it is unclear whether the Yankees will pursue additional moves to bolster their rotation and bullpen, which have also faced challenges this season.
In summary, the acquisition of Ryan McMahon by the Yankees represents a strategic move to address a critical need at third base, while the Rockies appear to be positioning themselves for a future rebuild. The outcomes of this trade will unfold over the coming seasons as both teams navigate their respective paths.
