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Could the Yankees Target This Affordable Third Baseman at the Trade Deadline?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 2:48 PM ET

There’s nothing flashy about Ryan McMahon. The New York Yankees don't need that right now. They’re looking for solid defense and bat. And McMahon, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel, could quietly be one of the more realistic solutions for the Yankees' third base issue if the Rockies decide to sell.

He’s got a 60 percent chance of being moved, per ESPN, and he checks a lot of boxes the Yankees care about: steady glove, left-handed power, and a track record of 20-homer consistency. He’s not a high-contact hitter, but he walks enough, plays reliable defense, and doesn’t need to be hidden in the late innings.

Eugenio Suárez and Alex Bregman are the flashier names, no question. Suárez leads all NL third basemen in OPS, and Bregman’s track record speaks for itself.

But McMahon might be the better fit. He’s signed for two more seasons at a manageable $32 million total. And if Colorado eats a little salary or settles for a modest return, he could slide into New York’s plans without blowing up the farm.

The big question is whether his bat can travel.

At Coors Field this season, McMahon is hitting .276 with a .401 OBP and .526 slugging percentage. On the road, those numbers drop to .180/.263/.320. That’s a pretty massive split and not something to ignore.

Also, he's a left-handed hitter, which the Yankees hace quite a few of right now.

Still, his swing is built for left-field damage, and Yankee Stadium has made plenty of lefty bats look better. This wouldn’t be a blockbuster move. But if the Yankees decide not to chase stars, McMahon could be the kind of under-the-radar fix that keeps them on track.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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