The Yankees made a major move today, trading pitching prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz for Rockies’ third baseman, Ryan McMahon. This move brings long-awaited defensive stability to a struggling New York infield.Â
Strengthening infield defense
With this acquisition, the club is finally addresing a glaring defensive weak spot that has been obvious since Josh Donaldson left for Milwaukee. McMahon is among league leaders in outs above average at the hot corner, making him a significant upgrade over Oswald Peraza, Jorbit Vivas, or recently DFA’d DJ LeMahieu. The Yankees, plagued by subpar defense on the left side, now gain a durable infielder who has started 100 major‑league games this season and earned All‑Star honors in 2024.
Offensive upside and contract considerations
The Yankees trading for Ryan McMahon was not a blockbuster splash but a pragmatic two‑prospect swap. McMahon enters with modest 2025 stats (.217 average, 16 home runs, 35 RBI), yet brings power potential in Yankee Stadium’s favorable dimensions. Offensively, he offers pull-side fly‑ball power and veteran consistency. He’s under team control through 2027, with the Yankees assuming roughly $4 million for the remainder of 2025 plus $16 million in each of the two following seasons.
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Prospects traded: Herring and Grosz
The Rockies receive two of New York’s top pitching prospects: Griffin Herring, a 22‑year‑old lefty boasting a 7–3 record and 1.71 ERA between Single‑A and High-A, and Josh Grosz, a right‑hander with experience up to Double‑A. Colorado is banking on developing young arms for the future, while New York sacrifices future depth to fill the gap in the left side of the infield.
Strategic context and trade‑deadline implications
New York originally targeted higher-profile third-base options like Eugenio Suárez, who led the league in offensive metrics among third-basemen this season. Yet with competition heating up, the Yankees pivoted to McMahon who presents a safer, defense first, cost-contained option rather than risking a bidding war around Suárez. With this move, New York has immediately reshaped the third‑base market and altered the plans of contenders such as the Cubs, Reds, and Tigers, all of whom remain active for other upgrades.
Trade analysis: risk vs. reward
The trade is seen as prudent by many analysts: a cost‑efficient move adding glove-first reliability rather than chasing power with other top‑end talent. Some critics argue the Yankees overpaid, trading two useful prospects for a player with sub‑average road splits and strikeout tendencies. But defensively, the payoff could outweigh offensive limitations, especially under postseason expectations. The Yankees offense has been very productive all season, even with a sub-optimal platoon at third-base. If McMahon can manage to hit for average and limit strike-outs, that alone marks a considerable improvement offensively.
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Immediate fix or long‑term piece?
The Yankees trading for Ryan McMahon resolves a pressing defensive void and gives New York a proven third baseman under team control through 2027. While his bat can be inconsistent, his durability, pull‑side power, and elite defense make him a logical fit. As the trade deadline approaches, this move signals that New York is content to fill gaps efficiently rather than chase big names. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off in the postseason but for now, it’s a clear upgrade.
