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, 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 trade comes as the Yankees sought to address significant struggles at the third base position, where they had received subpar offensive production. McMahon’s acquisition is seen as a strategic move to bolster both the Yankees’ defense and offense at third base, a position that had been a weak point for the team throughout the season.
Key Details
- Trade Participants: New York Yankees received Ryan McMahon; Colorado Rockies received LHP Griffin Herring and RHP Josh Grosz.
- Contract Details: McMahon is under contract for two more seasons at a total of $32 million, in addition to the remainder of his $12 million salary for the current season.
- Performance Metrics: McMahon has a batting average of .217 with 16 home runs and a .717 OPS in 100 games for the Rockies in 2025. He leads the National League with 127 strikeouts but has shown improvement since a poor start to the season.
- Defensive Capabilities: McMahon is recognized as a Gold Glove-caliber defender, ranking in the 91st percentile in outs above average among third basemen.
- Yankees’ Third Base Struggles: The Yankees’ third basemen had an OPS of .645, ranking eighth worst in MLB, with Oswald Peraza struggling significantly at the plate.
Multiple Perspectives
The trade has garnered mixed reactions among analysts and fans. Supporters of the deal argue that McMahon’s defensive prowess and potential for offensive improvement make him a valuable addition to the Yankees. Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasized McMahon’s experience and ability to contribute positively to the team’s defense, 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 analysts express caution regarding McMahon’s offensive consistency. Despite his All-Star status, he has not achieved league-average offensive production during his career, particularly when playing away from Coors Field, which is known for its hitter-friendly conditions. Critics point out that while McMahon may improve the Yankees’ defense, his offensive contributions could still fall short of expectations.
Furthermore, the Rockies’ decision to trade McMahon has been interpreted as a sign of a shift in their organizational strategy. General manager Bill Schmidt noted the focus on building for a competitive future, indicating that the team is looking to develop young talent, as evidenced by the acquisition of Herring and Grosz, both of whom have shown promise in the minors.
Context & Background
The Yankees have been under pressure to improve their performance as they aim for a playoff berth. The third base position has been particularly problematic, with the team cycling through multiple players and struggling with both offensive and defensive metrics. The decision to trade for McMahon reflects a broader trend in MLB where teams are increasingly willing to make trades to address specific needs as the trade deadline approaches.
McMahon’s career has been closely tied to the Rockies, where he has played since being drafted in 2013. His departure marks a significant moment for the Rockies, who have been criticized for their inability to develop a competitive roster in recent years. The trade signals a potential rebuilding phase for Colorado, as they look to capitalize on young pitching talent while moving on from established players.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the trade has been finalized, several uncertainties remain. The Yankees will need to monitor McMahon’s performance closely to determine if he can consistently contribute offensively in a new environment. Additionally, how well he adapts to the pressures of playing in New York, particularly after leaving a struggling Rockies team, is yet to be seen.
For the Rockies, the long-term impact of trading McMahon hinges on the development of Herring and Grosz. Both pitchers are relatively young and have shown potential, but their ability to transition to the major leagues remains uncertain. The effectiveness of this trade for both teams will likely be evaluated over the coming seasons as McMahon’s performance in New York unfolds and the Rockies work to develop their new prospects into major league contributors.
In summary, the trade of Ryan McMahon to the Yankees represents a strategic move to enhance the team’s third base position while also indicating a potential shift in the Rockies’ organizational direction. As both teams navigate the implications of this trade, the coming months will reveal the true impact of this transaction on their respective futures.
