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Yankees Could Solve Multiple Problems With One Infield Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 11:55 AM ET

With the trade deadline looming and the New York Yankees’ infield still a revolving door of underperformance, another versatile upgrade has entered the conversation: Ryan McMahon.

MLB.com identified the Colorado Rockies’ third baseman as a potential fit for the Yankees this summer, citing the team's need and McMahon’s rising value.

“The Rockies had hoped for McMahon to be part of their core when they turned things around, but Colorado appears to be far away from that point, making McMahon a potential trade chip,” Mark Feinsand wrote. “The 30-year-old has turned things around following a sluggish start, hitting seven homers with 16 RBIs and an .855 OPS in 37 games since May 7, while ranking in the top 10 percent of the league this season in average exit velocity, hard-hit percentage and walk percentage.”

Defensively, McMahon is solid at third base and would represent an immediate upgrade over the Yankees’ current options. He was an All-Star in 2024, has hit at least 20 home runs in every full season of his career, and is signed through 2027 under the six-year, $70 million extension he inked with Colorado in 2022.

This season, he’s hitting just .222 overall with a .745 OPS—but those numbers are misleading. Since June began, McMahon owns a .259 average and a .947 OPS, signaling he’s heating up just as the market opens.

Adding McMahon would also bring clarity to the Yankees’ infield shuffle. Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s versatility had the Yankees move him from second and third base to accommodate DJ LeMahieu. Slotting McMahon in at third would allow Chisholm to move back to second, where he’s stronger defensively. LeMahieu would shift into a bench role.

That would effectively improve two spots in the lineup and one on the bench in a single move.

The Yankees have also recently been linked to several other infield options, including an emerging favorite on a team heading in the wrong direction, Eugenio Suarez (Diamondbacks), Matt Chapman (Giants), maybe a possibility after the Rafael Devers trade, and an old friend in Isaiah Kiner-Falefa (Pirates). But McMahon might offer the best combination of power, defense, and controllability—if Colorado is ready to deal.

For now, the Yankees are watching the market closely, and McMahon’s name just moved closer to the top of their list.

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

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