NEW YORK — The New York Yankees, aiming to strengthen their infield and enhance their postseason prospects, acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies on Friday in a trade deadline deal that sent pitching prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz to Colorado, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The move addresses a critical weakness at third base for the Yankees, who have struggled with inconsistency at the position throughout the 2025 season.
As of July 25, 2025, the Yankees hold a 56-46 record, placing them second in the American League East, 2.5 games behind the division-leading Baltimore Orioles. Despite leading the American League with 5.2 runs per game, New York’s infield defense has been a persistent issue, particularly at third base. Oswald Peraza, the primary third baseman, has batted just .147 over 69 games, and the team’s infield has committed multiple errors in recent weeks, undermining their otherwise strong campaign.
McMahon, a 2024 All-Star, brings exceptional defensive prowess to the Bronx. The 30-year-old left-handed hitter has started a Major League-leading 100 games at third base this season, ranking in the 91st percentile with 4 Outs Above Average, per Statcast. His elite glove work is expected to shore up a Yankees infield plagued by defensive miscues, offering a significant upgrade over Peraza and other fill-ins.
Offensively, McMahon’s 2025 stats (.217 batting average, 16 home runs, .717 OPS in 100 games) are modest, but he’s shown recent improvement. Since June 7, he’s hit 10 home runs with an .820 OPS in 39 games, signaling potential for a resurgence in New York’s star-studded lineup alongside Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. McMahon’s 94.0 mph average exit velocity, in the 98th percentile, suggests his power could thrive at Yankee Stadium, despite a career .664 OPS on the road.
“McMahon’s defense is a game-changer,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “His bat has been up and down, but we’re confident our lineup can help him find his groove.”
The Yankees take on the remainder of McMahon’s six-year, $70 million contract, including $4.5 million for 2025 and $16 million for each of 2026 and 2027. In exchange, Colorado receives Herring, a 22-year-old left-hander and New York’s No. 8 prospect with a 1.71 ERA in High-A, and Grosz, a right-hander ranked No. 21 with a 4.14 ERA in High-A.
For the Yankees, who are eyeing a World Series run, McMahon’s addition fills a key gap, allowing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to return to second base. With the July 31 deadline approaching, general manager Brian Cashman may pursue additional pitching to complement the revamped infield.
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