What Yankees fans can expect from Ryan McMahon

Ryan McMahon probably wasn’t the name every die-hard enthusiast of the Bronx Bombers was waiting in anticipation to be announced. In their pinstriped hearts, Yankee fans had already reserved third base for D-Backs’ slugger Eugenio Suárez. But before jumping to conclusions, let’s first browse through what advantages and pitfalls this newly minted Yankee comes with by lining up some pros and cons. 

Off the bat, one of the key reasons the Yankees had interest in McMahon was his defense. Since last season, defense has been a sensitive topic around the Bronx. While the hot corner hasn’t been a severe part of this concern, knowing that the Yankees’ defense isn’t going to get worse is mildly reassuring. McMahon has recorded four outs above average and four defensive runs saved this year. These numbers have declined since his stellar glove work in 2023, but still fairly solid.

It also helps that the Yankees didn’t need to overpay for a third baseman, but McMahon’s upside can be easily offset by his major downside. Hitting .217/.314/.403 with 16 home runs, McMahon’s bat offers plenty more than that of Oswald Peraza, but it might not move the needle very much unless he can make his power play in the Bronx. With his left-handed bat and the Yankees’ short right porch, there is a chance this could work.

Even more encouraging is the fact that McMahon has been a 20+ home run hitter for most of his career. His average exit velocity of 94 mph this season ranks him in the elite 98th percentile of hitters. However, this could be a little misleading. McMahon’s numbers seem to be heavily influenced by the mile-high altitude in Denver. Below you can see his home-away splits for this year: 

Away from Coors Field, McMahon’s performance has been abysmal. Also, his 127 strikeouts were the most in the National League up until his trade.

His overall stats and splits aren’t exactly enamoring, but there might be a light at the end of the tunnel. McMahon’s bat has been heating up lately. In the past seven games, McMahon is hitting .292 with three home runs. Over the past two years, the Rockies' third baseman excelled in the first half and slumped heavily in the second. If this trend has reversed and he excels in the second half of this season, Yankee fans could be in for a real treat.

Will McMahon be the addition that pushes the Yankees to the World Series this fall? Probably not, but one can always hope. Still, when Gerrit Cole returns next season, McMahon might be the piece that puts New York over the top. The 30-year-old one-time All-Star is signed through 2027, giving fans enough time to find out.