Yankees Land Ryan McMahon: How the Trade Will Shake Up the AL East

By Oliver Wiener July 28, 2025 12:03

The New York Yankees made a significant move to shore up their infield on July 25, 2025, acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for two pitching prospects, Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz . This trade fills a long-standing need for the Yankees at the hot corner, a position that has struggled all season.

McMahon, 30, arrives in The Bronx as a proven defender and a left-handed hitter under contract through 2027 with a $70 million deal signed in 2022. In 2025, he has started 100 games the most by any Major League third baseman and posted a batting line of .217/.314/.403 with 16 home runs and 35 RBIs. While these offensive numbers might appear modest, McMahon’s defensive contributions are noteworthy; he ranks in the 91st percentile in 4 Outs Above Average, reflecting elite glovework at third base.

Yankees’ need for McMahon has been urgent. The team’s third basemen have combined for a .645 OPS this season, one of the lowest marks at the position in MLB. Since trading DJ LeMahieu and shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr., the Yankees have relied on a patchwork infield of Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas, but neither has provided consistent production or steady defense. As a scout who tracks National League players put it, “He will be able to handle New York just fine,” acknowledging McMahon’s readiness to take on this spotlight role in a high-pressure market.

This acquisition also reflects a strategic choice by the Yankees’ front office. Instead of pursuing the more offensively potent but pricier Eugenio Suárez, who was reported to command a steep cost and is a free agent after this season, New York opted for McMahon’s balance of defense, experience, and contractual control. His left-handed bat offers lineup flexibility, and he provides two more years under contract, which is valuable as the Yankees plan beyond 2025.

During his brief debut with the Yankees, McMahon showed flashes of immediate impact. He recorded two hits and made three critical defensive plays in only his second game, highlighting the spark he can bring to a team that had committed 10 errors in the prior five games. Even after the Yankees lost star Aaron Judge to an elbow injury, McMahon’s arrival was a positive storyline signaling renewed stability for the club as they chase the AL East lead.

From a broader AL East perspective, McMahon’s addition creates a tougher challenge for division rivals. The Yankees, currently 4.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays, are clearly gearing up for a postseason push. McMahon’s glove alone will reduce the Yankees' defensive liabilities, potentially preventing runs and providing more confidence to the pitching staff. Offensively, while not a game-changer, his power numbers and ability to generate hard contact could supply crucial run support. Given the division’s competitiveness, this incremental upgrade could be a decisive factor in a tight playoff race.

For the Rockies, the trade signifies a pivot toward youth, acquiring two promising pitching prospects. Griffin Herring, ranked the eighth-best prospect in the Yankees system, boasts a 1.71 ERA in High-A this season, while Grosz offers depth in the minors. The Rockies, bottoming out in 2025, seem to be embracing a rebuild, parting ways with a veteran cornerstone after nine years in Colorado.

In summary, the Yankees’ acquisition of Ryan McMahon is a savvy, measured move addressing a glaring weakness in their lineup. While McMahon may not be a superstar, his defense, contract control, and steady if unspectacular offense make him a valuable asset as New York attempts to shake up the AL East standings and position themselves for a deep postseason run.