The New York Yankees have long been linked to Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon. It’s tough to get a true sense of who McMahon is as a player, as he’s proven to be above average in parts of his career. However, the harsh reality is that he’s a below-average OPS+ hitter, posting an OPS+ of just 92 throughout his career.
Throughout his nine seasons in the big leagues, with two of them not being full seasons due to his rookie campaign and the COVID-19 year, McMahon hasn’t posted an OPS+ above 98 once.
Still, the Yankees have been linked to him multiple times, and were again on Wednesday by Brandon Kuty of The Athletic, who added that the Rockies will likely make him available, and the Yankees should have an opportunity to trade for the left-handed hitter.
“Eugenio Suárez could be the best option available, but the Arizona Diamondbacks figure to remain within striking distance of the National League wild-card race, and they might be loath to trade a key bat. The Colorado Rockies should sell anything they can at the trade deadline, which should make Ryan McMahon available. But he’s a great defender with middling offensive talent, and he’ll be owed $32 million through 2027,” he wrote.
Does McMahon Address the Yankees’ Biggest Needs?
While defense is an important part in games, and the New York Yankees found that out the hard way last year during Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, they need offensive help. Ultimately, as long as they find a fielder who can make the basic plays, the Yankees would be more than content and should be more than content to have someone who could change the lineup.
McMahon has some pop and has proven it throughout his career, with 136 home runs and at least 20 in each of his past six seasons, excluding the COVID-affected year. However, he’s also playing at Coors. It wouldn’t be surprising to see his power numbers dip a bit, even with the short right field porch at Yankee Stadium.
Will the Rockies Make McMahon Available?
This isn’t the first time the New York Yankees have been linked to McMahon, as he’s been a name associated with them multiple times over the past few years. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com also linked the two sides on Monday, adding that the Yankees and Detroit Tigers are potential landing spots if the Colorado Rockies make him available.
“One of the reasons Colorado is 18-60 is a lack of impact players, so while the Rockies are obvious sellers, finding trade candidates on their roster isn’t as easy as you might think. That’s not to say that GM Bill Schmidt won’t draw interest in some of his guys, including reliever Seth Halvorsen, who owns a triple-digit fastball and the ability to get ground balls, and Jake Bird, who has been one of the most effective bullpen arms in the league,” he wrote.
“The Rockies’ most interesting trade candidate may be Ryan McMahon, who is signed for $16 million in each of the next two years after 2025. McMahon has 10 home runs and a .901 OPS since the beginning of May, overcoming a sluggish start. There are teams in need of a third baseman including the Yankees and Tigers, so if the Rockies are willing to part with McMahon, they should be able to get a solid return.”
