Yankees bolster third base with Ryan McMahon trade

After struggling at third base, the New York Yankees addressed their need by trading for Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon. The Yankees acquired McMahon for pitching prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz. McMahon, 30, is under contract for two more seasons and is owed $32 million, in addition to his $12 million salary for this season.

McMahon is known for his strong defense at third base but has had below-average offensive performance. Despite playing at Coors Field, known for its hitter-friendly environment, McMahon has not achieved an above-average offensive season since his debut in 2017. The Yankees value McMahon's defensive skills, especially as their left side of the infield has been inconsistent.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised McMahon's defensive abilities and expressed excitement about his addition to the team. McMahon, an All-Star in 2024, is considered a valuable asset due to his defensive prowess and power hitting. The Rockies' general manager, Bill Schmidt, highlighted the potential impact of the pitching prospects acquired in the trade.

In exchange for McMahon, the Yankees traded two young pitchers, Herring and Grosz, who were not expected to contribute to the team in the near future. Herring, a sixth-round pick from Louisiana State University, and Grosz, an 11th-round pick from East Carolina University, were seen as promising talents by scouts.

The trade opens up opportunities for Warming Bernabel, a top prospect in the Rockies' system, to potentially fill McMahon's position. Bernabel has shown strong offensive performance in the minor leagues and has transitioned from shortstop to third base.

McMahon's move to the Yankees is seen as a strategic decision to strengthen the team's defense and provide stability at third base. The trade reflects the Rockies' focus on building for the future and acquiring pitching talent. While McMahon's offensive performance may vary away from Coors Field, his defensive skills are expected to benefit the Yankees.

The trade market for third basemen offers various options, with McMahon standing out for his defensive abilities and power hitting. The Rockies aimed to address their pitching needs by trading McMahon, signaling a proactive approach at the trade deadline. The move represents a step forward for the Rockies in their rebuilding efforts.