Did the New York Yankees fleece the Colorado Rockies in Friday’s trade for Ryan McMahon? One MLB executive suggested that it is a real possibility.
The Yankees have been looking to improve third base for months. Even before Oswaldo Cabrera suffered a season-ending injury, they were linked to third base trade upgrades. Including St. Louis Cardinals veteran Nolan Arenado and McMahon.
Today, they finally pulled the trigger on a deal to land McMahon, a one-time All-Star who will be an even bigger upgrade to their infield defense on the left side than at the plate. However, his addition comes with concerns.
- Ryan McMahon stats: .217 AVG, .314 OBP, .403 SLG, .717 OPS, 16 HR, 35 RBI, 42 R
McMahon leads the NL in strikeouts, and his hitting numbers take a notable dip outside Coors Field. Furthermore, one of the prospects the Pinstripes gave up in the deal, Griffin Herring, is a top 10 pitcher in their system on MLB.com. McMahon is also owed over $4 million for the rest of this season, and $16 million annually in 2026 and 2027.
However, following the deal, New York Post MLB insider Joel Sherman revealed an interesting nugget of information from an executive about the trade potentially turning into a huge win for the club.
“One NL West personnel executive with a lot of exposure to McMahon said, ‘He’s a really good player who will fit there. And it is not a big return (that the Rockies are getting).'”
Joel Sherman
- Ryan McMahon contract (via Spotrac): Six years, $70 million
Sherman also added that the organization is prioritizing pitching upgrades for the rotation and bullpen before the deadline. In the deal for McMahon, they didn’t give up any of the players they feel are premium trade assets. They also believe the change of scenery could lead to improved numbers for the third baseman.
“The Yankees clearly are banking that leaving a losing environment in which McMahon had no protection for a deeper lineup, the right field porch, plus his strong defense will net a strong performance,” Sherman wrote.
