The New York Yankees completed a trade for Ryan McMahon on Friday, sparking debate about whether they significantly outmaneuvered the Colorado Rockies. The Yankees had been actively seeking to strengthen their third base position for months, a quest intensified by Oswaldo Cabrera’s season-ending injury. McMahon, along with veterans such as St. Louis Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado, had long been linked to the Yankees as potential upgrades.
McMahon’s Performance and Contract Details Raise Questions
Ryan McMahon, a former All-Star, is expected to bolster the Yankees’ defense on the infield’s left side, more so than their offense. Yet, his offensive stats have shown weaknesses, notably a .217 batting average with a .314 on-base percentage, a slugging percentage of .403, and a .717 OPS this season, including 16 home runs, 35 RBIs, and 42 runs scored. He also leads the National League in strikeouts, and his performance outside the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field declines notably. Financially, McMahon’s contract commitments include over $4 million for the remainder of the current season and $16 million annually in 2026 and 2027.
Trade Assets and Team Strategy Highlighted by MLB Insider
One concern is the return the Rockies received, which included prospect Griffin Herring, ranked among the Yankees’ top 10 pitching prospects on MLB.com. Despite this, the Yankees reportedly did not surrender any of their prime trade assets in the exchange. New York Post MLB insider Joel Sherman shared insight from a National League West executive familiar with McMahon, who said:
“One NL West personnel executive with a lot of exposure to McMahon said, ‘He’s a really good player who will fit there. And it is not a big return (that the Rockies are getting).’” —Joel Sherman
Sherman further explained that the Yankees are focused on bolstering their pitching staff ahead of the trade deadline, prioritizing their rotation and bullpen, while seeing McMahon as a safer, cost-effective upgrade at third base.
Yankees Hope Change of Scenery Spurs Performance Boost
The organization believes a new environment—one with greater offensive support and a more favorable home ballpark—could elevate McMahon’s production. Sherman noted the Yankees’ expectations:
“The Yankees clearly are banking that leaving a losing environment in which McMahon had no protection for a deeper lineup, the right field porch, plus his strong defense will net a strong performance,”
—Joel Sherman
If McMahon thrives in New York, this trade could emerge as one of the most advantageous moves of the season, dramatically improving the Yankees’ infield while preserving their top pitching prospects for future deals.