On July 28, the New York Yankees secured third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies in a trade that also sent two pitching prospects, Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz, to Colorado. This move aims to address New York’s ongoing struggles at third base ahead of the MLB trade deadline, while the Rockies add promising young arms to bolster their rebuilding efforts.
Yankees Address a Critical Infield Need with Ryan McMahon
The Yankees, currently holding a 56-46 record, have been searching for stability at third base all season, rotating through six different players. Their incumbent, Oswald Peraza, has struggled offensively, hitting just .147/.208/.237. McMahon’s arrival offers a tangible upgrade, though he does not quite match the offensive potential of the Yankees’ initial target, Eugenio Suárez of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
McMahon is batting .217/.314/.403 this season over 100 games, accumulating 16 home runs and 35 RBIs. One notable issue is his performance disparity between home and road games. While at Coors Field he posts a strong .248/.354/.491 with 11 homers, his numbers drop significantly to .189/.265/.324 with only four homers on the road. Last year’s statistics showed a more balanced output, including more home runs away from Colorado, which may indicate room for McMahon to normalize as he adapts to new ballparks. Playing his home games at the lefty-friendly Yankee Stadium could help offset his previous road struggles.
Defensively, McMahon’s error totals warrant cautious optimism. The Yankees have committed 16 errors at third base this year, second highest in MLB behind the Los Angeles Angels. McMahon has made six errors at the position this season and 15 last year, placing him among the more error-prone third basemen league-wide. However, the consistency of regular playing time may aid his defensive development as the Yankees push for postseason contention.
Importantly, McMahon remains under contract for two more seasons at $16 million per year, giving New York a controllable asset beyond this season. In contrast, Suárez, their first-choice third baseman, will become a free agent after 2024, making McMahon a longer-term solution rather than a short-term rental.
Rockies Acquire Top Yankees Prospects to Enhance Farm System
In exchange for McMahon, the Rockies received No. 8 Yankees prospect Griffin Herring and No. 21 prospect Josh Grosz, adding depth and promise to Colorado’s No. 18-ranked minor league system. Herring, a left-handed pitcher drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB draft out of LSU, has quickly moved into the Rockies’ top five prospects and ranks as their best lefty pitcher currently in the system. He boasts a 1.71 ERA and 102 strikeouts over 16 starts this season in New York’s lower minor league affiliates, showing potential to contribute as either a starter or reliever in the near future.
Grosz, who went in the 11th round of the 2023 draft, also joins Colorado’s farm system as their No. 18-ranked prospect. While neither prospect represents a blockbuster haul, they provide valuable assets for a Rockies team that is clearly selling off major league talent amid another disappointing season.
This trade reflects the Rockies’ strategy to focus on long-term growth by replenishing promising pitching prospects, which could translate into improved competitiveness over the coming years.
Trade Implications for Both Teams Moving Forward
The Yankees gain an immediate roster solution with McMahon, filling a glaring gap at third base while retaining control over a multi-year contract. His acquisition positions New York to maintain offensive production and shore up defense down the stretch in a crowded AL playoff race. Although McMahon is not the impact bat Suárez would have provided, the cost in prospects and contractual control likely influenced the Yankees’ decision to settle here.
For the Rockies, trading McMahon signals a continued commitment to rebuilding the farm system through young talent acquisition. Both Herring and Grosz bring upside potential that could contribute to the future core of Colorado’s pitching staff. With McMahon’s contract and on-field performance not aligning with a competitive window, the Rockies chose to capitalize on his value while adding controllable assets.
Baseball insiders, including New York Post’s Jon Heyman, highlighted the Yankees’ initial pursuit of Suárez but pointed to stalled talks as opening the door for the McMahon deal. This transaction demonstrates how teams balance immediate reinforcements against long-term considerations as the trade deadline approaches.
Both franchises will now turn their attention to integrating the new players into their lineups and development paths as the season’s final months unfold. The success of this trade may ultimately hinge on McMahon’s ability to perform outside Coors Field and the prospects’ growth within the Rockies’ minor league system.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Ryan McMahon do?
A. For almost 20 years, Ryan McMahon has been a leader in Indigenous comedy and storytelling. He aims to challenge norms and reshape the world with humor and Indigenous stories.
Q. What was Ryan McMahon’s strikeout rate?
A. His strikeout rate of 34.2% was the second highest in both the Major Leagues and the National League…