Yankees Trade for Ryan McMahon: Strengthening Third Base Depth

The New York Yankees just made a big move to patch up their long-standing third base issues. They grabbed Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies, sending two promising pitching prospects the other way.

This trade makes it obvious the Yankees are pushing for the playoffs and trying to fix a glaring hole on the left side of their infield. Let’s dig into what McMahon brings, from his standout defense to how he might change the team’s outlook heading into the trade deadline.

Ryan McMahon: A Defensive Standout at Third Base

Ryan McMahon, a 30-year-old lefty hitter, has a reputation as one of the steadiest defensive third basemen in baseball. He started 100 games at third in 2023—more than anyone else in the majors.

That kind of durability is rare. McMahon ranks in the 91st percentile for Defensive Outs Above Average, which really shows off his range and glove work.

The Yankees have cycled through six different starting third basemen this season. Adding McMahon finally gives them some stability at the position.

Filling an Offensive Void in the Lineup

Defense hasn’t really been the Yankees’ problem at third base lately. Offense, though? That’s been a mess.

Their third basemen have put up an ugly .645 OPS, eighth worst in MLB. McMahon’s bat, even with its ups and downs, offers more consistency than what the Yankees have gotten so far.

He’s been heating up lately, hitting .292 with three homers and seven RBIs in his last seven games. On the season, he’s slashing .217/.314/.403 with 16 home runs and 35 RBIs.

Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but his left-handed power could play up in Yankee Stadium. That short right-field porch has a way of making things interesting.

What McMahon Brings to the Yankees’ Lineup

McMahon’s arrival feels like a shift in the Yankees’ approach. Manager Aaron Boone likes McMahon’s swing, especially with the stadium’s dimensions working in his favor.

Boone expects him to add some punch from third base and thrive in a supporting role. With hitters like Aaron Judge around, McMahon shouldn’t have to carry the load.

Moving On from a Struggling Third Base Group

Oswald Peraza, the most recent starter at third, is moving aside for McMahon. Peraza’s defense was solid, but his bat just never got going—he hit .147, which is tough to watch.

The Yankees need more production, plain and simple. McMahon offers a better mix of glove and bat, so this move makes sense for a team hanging in a tight playoff race.

A Pivot in Trade Strategy

Funny enough, McMahon wasn’t even the Yankees’ first choice. They tried to work out a deal for Eugenio Suárez from the Diamondbacks, but those talks fizzled.

Landing McMahon instead might actually work out better. Suárez brings power, sure, but McMahon’s defense and contract—locked in at $16 million a year through 2027—fit the Yankees’ long-term plans.

The Cost of the Deal: Pitching Prospects

To get McMahon, the Yankees sent pitching prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz to Colorado. Both show promise, but neither one is considered a top-tier prospect.

It’s a calculated risk for a team that wants to win now. Still, losing arms like this means the Yankees probably need to look for more pitching help before the deadline, especially with all the injuries.

What’s Next for the Yankees?

McMahon fills a huge need at third, but the Yankees aren’t done. They’re now eyeing starting pitching, with names like Dylan Cease and Mitch Keller popping up in rumors.

Injuries to Nestor Cortes and Domingo Germán have left the rotation thin. If the Yankees want to make a real run in October, they’ll need reinforcements.

For now, fans get to welcome a player who checks a lot of boxes: elite defense, lefty pop, and contract security. Here’s hoping McMahon can settle things down at the hot corner and maybe spark a second-half surge. All eyes are on the pinstripes now.

Conclusion

The Yankees’ trade for Ryan McMahon feels like a calculated risk, but maybe that’s what they need right now. His glove is sharp, and his bat’s not too shabby either.

McMahon isn’t just a quick fix for 2023. He could be a cornerstone for the next few seasons—at least, that’s the hope.

With the trade deadline looming, everyone’s wondering what the Yankees will do about their pitching. It’s a big question mark, honestly.

But one thing’s clear: New York isn’t sitting still. They’re determined to stay in the playoff hunt, however messy the road might get.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees to acquire 3B McMahon from Rockies (source)