Yankees linked to new All-Star on trade market

With less than a month to go now until the trade deadline, the New York Yankees are starting to work the phones.

The Yankees have checked in with the Colorado Rockies about third baseman Ryan McMahon, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Thursday. Heyman also notes that Colorado “will listen” to trade overtures for McMahon.

McMahon, 30, was an All-Star last season for the Rockies, batting .242 with 20 home runs and 65 RBIs. He is at a low point of his value this year though as his numbers have slumped to a .213 batting average to go along with 12 home runs and 25 RBIs through 85 games.

The lefty-hitting McMahon is still under contract for two more seasons at an affordable $16 million per year. But with the Rockies sitting at a putrid 20-67 with few reasons for future optimism beyond that, it may just be time for them to trade away McMahon.

At 48-40 (second in the AL East), the Yankees need the help at McMahon’s third base position. Jazz Chisholm is currently holding down the fort at the hot corner, but he is much more of a natural second baseman. DJ LeMahieu is around in New York as well but is also more comfortable at second base.

Earlier this week, we heard that the Yankees might potentially be in the mix to trade for an eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover at the third base spot. But McMahon, who is an excellent defender himself to go along with his occasional pop, may end up being a more cost-effective option here for the Yankees.