Is Ryan McMahon's performance becoming a concern for Yankees? 

Last season, the New York Yankees’ trade for Ryan McMahon provided the team with an everyday third baseman, replacing a revolving door of players who failed to anchor the position. In acquiring McMahon, the Yankees secured a stellar glove at the hot corner with 20+ home-run power. This year, however, his tendency to strike out has only weighed on the offense.

Normally, a stat like strikeouts can be overlooked if the player has at least been hitting for power or finding his way on base at a decent rate. McMahon has long been a productive player despite posting strikeout rates of around 30 percent every season. But this year, he has been anything but productive. 

In 20 at-bats entering Sunday, McMahon is 1-for-20 with 10 strikeouts, his lone hit coming on Opening Day. His five walks bring his on-base percentage up to .240. Overall, he owns the fifth-lowest OPS in baseball (.290). With his struggles ongoing, manager Aaron Boone has moved him down to the nine spot in the batting order. 

Is it time to worry about Ryan McMahon?

As of last year, his hitting metrics have shown that he consistently hits the ball hard when he makes contact. But there has been a downward trend in McMahon’s production since last season, something that adds to the concern around his poor start this season.

He was already having a down year with the Colorado Rockies when the Yankees picked him up, posting an OPS of .717. After trading in his purple pinstripes for blue ones, McMahon posted an OPS of .641, finishing the year with a .214/.312/.381 slash line and 20 home runs. This preceded a postseason where McMahon performed well, including falling into the third base dugout for a highlight reel catch. However, Boone limited him to just 15 plate appearances, deciding to platoon his left-handed bat with right-handed hitters.

During spring training, McMahon began experimenting with a new approach at the plate to limit strikeouts. Thus far, it has produced a strikeout rate of 40 percent.

With the vast majority of the season still ahead, there is plenty of time for McMahon to find his form. At this point in the season, alarm bells should never be ringing. But if he is going to reach the heights he did with the Rockies prior to last season, he will need to fix his troubles with making quality contact.