As the MLB trade deadline nears, the Colorado Rockies have started unloading key players to rebuild their roster. With a disappointing season underway, Colorado aimed to trade valuable assets to acquire prospects for a long-term turnaround.
Third baseman Ryan McMahon was one of the Rockies’ premier trade candidates. Known for his versatility and power, McMahon attracted attention from multiple teams needing to strengthen their infield, especially at third base.
Details of the Ryan McMahon and Yankees Trade
Despite being under contract through 2027, McMahon was traded to the New York Yankees. In return, the Rockies received two pitching prospects: Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz. These players were ranked eighth and 21st respectively within the Yankees’ farm system, but the deal raised questions about the value Colorado obtained for one of its top assets.
Although McMahon has not performed up to his career standards this season, his recent improvement and solid defensive skills made him a desirable player. His current batting line sits at .217/.314/.403, with 16 home runs and 35 RBIs, showing a dip in average but maintaining power at the plate.
Analyzing the Return: Herring and Grosz’s Prospects
Griffin Herring, the higher-ranked prospect in the trade, holds a 45 scouting grade from MLB, indicating uncertainty about his potential. While he has pitched effectively in the minors this year, Herring’s fastball velocity is below average, relying on his slider as his primary weapon.
Josh Grosz, the right-handed pitcher, possesses a strong fastball but struggles significantly with command. His development ceiling appears limited, reducing the likelihood of a high-impact major league player emerging from this trade.
Is the Return Adequate for McMahon’s Worth?
Given McMahon’s multi-year contract with $16 million salaries over the next two seasons, some might question whether the Rockies received a sufficient return, considering the cost and his potential contributions. The Yankees’ farm system depth is not particularly strong, which places further doubt on Colorado’s haul.
The combination of underwhelming prospect grades and the nature of McMahon’s contract led many analysts and fans to speculate if the Rockies were shortchanged by accepting this deal instead of pursuing alternatives that might yield better value.
Implications for the Rockies’ Rebuild and Future Outlook
This trade highlights Colorado’s challenging path in rebuilding the roster amid a tough season. While moving McMahon could eventually free up resources, the prospects acquired must develop quickly to validate the exchange.
How the Rockies leverage this and upcoming trades will be critical to reversing their fortunes. Their front office faces intense scrutiny to maximize returns from remaining assets while balancing payroll and future competitiveness.
“Anytime a player is traded despite being under contract for multiple remaining seasons, it makes figuring out their value a bit tricky.” —Nick Ziegler, Sports Media Analyst
“While Herring was ranked as the eighth-best prospect in New York’s farm system, his scouting grade from MLB is just a 45, which doesn’t give a ton of confidence in the type of player that he could become.” —Nick Ziegler, Sports Media Analyst
“The right-hander has a good fastball, but he struggles with his command quite a bit and his upside also seems limited.” —Nick Ziegler, Sports Media Analyst
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Ryan McMahon do?
A. For almost 20 years, Ryan McMahon has led the way in Indigenous comedy and storytelling across different platforms. He aims to challenge traditional views and reshape his surroundings with humor and Native stories.
Q. What was Ryan McMahon’s strikeout rate?
A. His strikeout rate was 34.2%, which was the second-highest among all Major League Baseball and National League players.