The New York Yankees confirmed that Ryan McMahon will make his debut for the team on Saturday, July 27, 2025, as they look to solve ongoing defensive challenges at third base. Manager Aaron Boone announced on Friday that McMahon was available to play after missing that day’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, signaling the Yankees’ move to stabilize a crucial position as they push for a playoff spot.
After a rough start to the season marked by defensive struggles at third base, the Yankees traded for Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon. The team recognized early on that Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas had not been able to provide reliable defense at the hot corner. McMahon, a dependable mainstay with the Rockies, was brought in to bring much-needed stability and improve the team’s overall infield defense.
Details and Impact of the Trade for McMahon
The Yankees secured McMahon in a trade that involved sending two pitching prospects, Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz, to Colorado, while also assuming the majority of McMahon’s salary. The 30-year-old infielder’s deal is financially favorable for New York, covering the remainder of the 2025 season at around $12 million and extending through 2026 and 2027 with contracts worth approximately $16 million each year.
On the field this season, McMahon has demonstrated solid offensive production, posting a slash line of .217/.314/.403 across 350 at-bats and hitting 16 home runs. Though his bat is helpful, what attracted the Yankees most was his defensive capability. McMahon has saved four defensive runs so far in 2025 and boasts an impressive career total of 64 Defensive Runs Saved. He has been a standout with his exceptional Outs Above Average ratings since 2021, which suggests he can elevate the Yankees’ defense significantly long-term.
Yankees’ Defensive Woes at Third Base Prompt Urgent Action
The defensive struggles at third base have been a persistent issue for the Yankees this season. Through the end of July, the team has committed 52 errors in 102 games, a figure that highlights the urgency for a defensive upgrade. Manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about McMahon’s arrival, praising his work from watching him play against the Rockies.
“The handful of times that we’ve played against them that I watch him, you’re like, ‘That’s what it should look like over there.”
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
By addressing third base with McMahon’s acquisition, the Yankees hope to reinforce their infield defense ahead of a crucial playoff push. Fans are eager to see if McMahon’s glove and experience can reverse the team‘s recent struggles and bring the steady defense the Yankees have lacked all season.
Pitching Remains a Critical Focus for Yankees After McMahon Trade
While adding Ryan McMahon solves part of the Yankees’ defensive puzzle, pitching is still a major concern for the club. As of late July 2025, the Yankees’ bullpen ranked 23rd in the major leagues, struggling with a 4.28 ERA and 1.317 WHIP. Injuries to key pitchers such as Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil, and the delayed return of Ryan Yarbrough have left the rotation vulnerable, putting further pressure on the team’s relief staff.
Sources close to the Yankees’ front office have indicated that strengthening the pitching staff is now the organization’s top priority before the July 31 trade deadline. Names under consideration include Mitch Keller to bolster the rotation, and relievers like David Bednar or Dennis Santana, who could provide immediate improvements to the bullpen’s effectiveness.
What McMahon’s Arrival Means for the Team Moving Forward
The acquisition of Ryan McMahon provides the Yankees with a much-needed boost at third base and also offers financial flexibility with a multi-year deal. His defensive skills and competitive experience are expected to stabilize one of the team’s weak spots, allowing other players to breathe easier.
However, the Yankees must continue to address pitching and other roster needs if they want to seriously contend in the postseason. The McMahon trade buys time and brings some balance, but it is clear that New York’s front office must act decisively to strengthen their pitching staff and deepen the overall lineup.
As fans await McMahon’s debut, the key question remains whether he will be the long-term solution the Yankees need or merely a step toward larger roster changes ahead. His performance in the coming weeks could play a pivotal role in the team’s trajectory for the remainder of the 2025 season.
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. His aim is to challenge norms and reshape society using humor and Indigenous narratives.
Q. What was Ryan McMahon’s strikeout rate?
A. His strikeout rate of 34.2% was the second-highest among all major league players and in the National League.