Yankees Add Ryan McMahon, Amed Rosario and Austin Slater in Deadline Moves

By Oliver Wiener August 04, 2025 12:56

The New York Yankees have made significant roster moves at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, adding third baseman Ryan McMahon, infielder Amed Rosario, and outfielder Austin Slater to bolster their lineup and bench depth before the stretch run. These acquisitions address key positional needs and highlight the team’s intent to improve offensive versatility and platoon advantages as they chase another playoff berth.

Ryan McMahon, acquired from the Colorado Rockies, fills a critical void at third base for the Yankees. Known for his strong defensive skills ranking fourth among third basemen in Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average since 2022 McMahon brings stability to a position that has seen inconsistency. Offensively, he carries a career .684 OPS against left-handed pitching, adding value in matchups that have troubled the Yankees’ other infielders. McMahon is under contract through 2027, providing both short- and long-term solutions. Yankees hitting coaches are expected to work with him on increasing fly balls to tap into Yankee Stadium’s favorable right-field dimensions. GM Brian Cashman pointed out, “Ryan is a polished defender who can make the necessary adjustments offensively to fit our power-centric approach.”

To complement McMahon, New York also acquired Amed Rosario from the Washington Nationals. Rosario’s versatility is a key asset; he can play third base, second base, shortstop, and even left field. His career .800 OPS against left-handed pitchers makes him an ideal bench bat for platoon matchups. Manager Aaron Boone noted, “Rosario gives us flexibility we didn’t have before. He’s a high-contact hitter who can impact the game wherever we need him.”

The Yankees did not stop in the infield. On July 30, they secured outfielder Austin Slater in a trade with the Chicago White Sox, sending pitching prospect Gage Ziehl to Chicago. Slater, 32, has built a reputation as a right-handed hitter who excels against left-handed pitching, posting a .859 OPS and a .522 slugging percentage against lefties in 2025. Over 51 appearances this season, he has compiled a .236/.299/.423 batting line with five home runs and 20 RBIs. His ability to serve as a platoon outfielder could prove vital in October, especially given New York’s struggles with left-handed pitching from some outfielders like Trent Grisham and Jasson Domínguez.

Manager Boone remarked on Slater’s addition: “Austin fills a specific need for us against left-handed pitching. His versatility across the outfield and his experience can help us in crucial situations late in games.” The Yankees are considering a platoon approach with Slater and Rosario appearing more frequently against lefty starters, a strategy Boone has not fully embraced in prior seasons.

These acquisitions come amid a stretch where the Yankees have struggled with roster depth and bullpen performance. The additions of McMahon, Rosario, and Slater aim to shore up an offense that relies heavily on star Aaron Judge, who is currently recovering from a flexor tendon strain and expected to return to full strength soon. The team’s recent record has been uneven, and these deadline moves signify a push to solidify the roster for the playoff push.

In summary, the Yankees’ trade deadline moves represent a strategic effort to enhance offensive flexibility and defensive stability. Ryan McMahon anchors third base with excellent defensive metrics and developing offensive adjustments, Amed Rosario offers multi-positional depth with strong lefty matchup numbers, and Austin Slater brings valuable platoon power off the bench in the outfield. Combined, these players address key vulnerabilities and align with New York’s postseason ambitions.