The latest New York Yankees rumors have connected the team heavily to relief pitchers ahead of the MLB trade deadline. While upgrading the bullpen is a priority, the Yankees also reportedly have a marquee player they would love to acquire this summer.
New York has every reason to feel good about its roster right now. Entering MLB games today, the Yankees have the best lineup in baseball with AL MVP contenders Juan Soto and Aaron Judge leading the way. However, the front office does see room for improvement.
- New York Yankees lineup stats (ESPN): .254 batting average (5th in MLB), .333 OBP (2nd), .438 slugging (2nd), 359 runs scored (1st) in 71 games
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Namely, upgrading at first base. One avenue to replace Anthon Rizzo would be finding his direct replacement, with the likes of Pete Alonso floating in MLB trade rumors this summer. However, another option is moving DJ LeMahieu to first base and opening up the hot corner.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees would “love to get their hands on” Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon and he is considered one of their top targets ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
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- Ryan McMahon stats (FanGraphs): .267/.350/.462, .355 wOBA, 116 wRC+, 1.6 fWAR, 12 home runs, 36 RBI, .812 OPS, .195 isolated power in 288 plate appearances
For now, Colorado reportedly isn’t very interested in moving him. However, New York boasts the talent and depth in its farm system to make a serious pursuit that could change the Rockies’ thinking. Helping that is the emergence of a generational prospect who is tearing up the minor leagues this season.
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- Ryan McMahon contract: $12 million salary in 2024, $12 million salary in 2025, $16 million salary in 206, $16 million salary in 2027
New York likely believes there’s even more untapped potential in McMahon’s bat. The 29-year-old ranks in the 98th percentile for average exit velocity, the 91st percentile for expected slugging and barrel rate along with the 97th percentile for Hard-Hit rate (55.5 percent), per Baseball Savant.
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McMahon would add another excellent bat to the Yankees lineup and he’s an adequate defender at the hot corner, so New York wouldn’t be making any massive sacrifices defensively. New York will prioritize more realistic trade targets first, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Yankees check in with the Rockies on McMahon multiple times this summer.