New York Yankees acquire third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies

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As the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaches, teams are beginning to define their roles—some as sellers seeking to rebuild, while others are aiming to contend as buyers. This year, the New York Yankees have made it clear they’re aggressive buyers, making a decisive move by acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies. With a roster built to win now and a fan base demanding results, this trade signals that standing still was never an option.

For weeks, third base had been a glaring weakness for the Yankees, with inconsistent offensive production and defensive instability plaguing the position since Opening Day. Gerrit Cole's season-ending injury and subsequent Tommy John surgery further exacerbated the problem, leaving the Bombers without their pitching cornerstone. A major upgrade was necessary, and the Yankees believe McMahon is the answer.

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The move comes on the heels of a controversial decision earlier this month when the Yankees designated DJ LeMahieu for assignment and ultimately released him. LeMahieu had just returned from injury and reclaimed his natural position at second base, while Jazz Chisholm was holding down third. However, after only nine games of what appeared to be a stable In The Yankees parted ways with LeMahieu and moved Chisholm back to second base.

Enter Ryan McMahon, a Gold Glove-caliber defender with a powerful left-handed bat, who immediately fills one of the Yankees' most significant gaps. In Colorado this season, McMahon showcased his versatility and pop at the plate, making him an ideal fit for the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium. His addition allows the Yankees to strengthen their infield and enhance their lineup by acquiring a player capable of driving in runs and delivering clutch at-bats during October.

Before the trade, Oswald Peraza and Jobie Vivas were splitting time at third base. While both are above-average defenders, their bats were below league average, leaving a noticeable void in the Yankees’ offense. By landing McMahon, New York avoids relying on unproven young infielders during a critical stretch.

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This trade also eliminates the need for the Yankees to explore other third base options on the market, such as Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez. Instead, they’ve landed a player who can help them not just this year but beyond, as McMahon is under team control through 2027.

The Yankees' front office has made it clear that they are fully committed to winning this season. McMahon’s arrival may be the spark the team needs to make a serious push in October—and perhaps bring another championship back to the Bronx.

In 2025, McMahon is slashing .217/.314/.403 with 16 home runs and 35 RBIs through roughly 350 at-bats. Despite his overall numbers not being particularly impressive, he has demonstrated an upward trend with 10 home runs and an OPS of .820 over his last 39 games. More importantly, McMahon’s advanced metrics suggest untapped potential—he boasts a 94 mph average exit velocity and a 50.4% hard-hit rate, both well above league average.

Defensively, McMahon is elite. Ranking in the 91st percentile in Outs Above Average (OAA), his glove is considered among the best at the hot corner. For a Yankees team built around strong pitching and timely defense, his skill set is a perfect fit.

The move also spares New York from relying on a thin third-base trade market that included names like Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez. Instead of settling for a short-term rental, the Yankees landed a player who can contribute now and remain a fixture in their infield for years.

The front office has made it clear that the Yankees are fully committed to a World Series push. McMahon’s power bat, Gold Glove-caliber defense, and lefty swing tailor-made for Yankee Stadium could be exactly what New York needs to power through October.

But the job isn’t done.

Now, the focus shifts to the pitching market—and the Yankees are expected to be aggressive. With Gerrit Cole out for the season following Tommy John surgery, New York needs a frontline starter to carry them into October. Several high-profile names have surfaced, including Mitch Keller (Pirates), Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks), and Garrett Crochet (Red Sox). All three would give the Yankees a high-strikeout, innings-eating presence with playoff upside—exactly what’s needed at the top of a rotation currently held together by solid, but inconsistent, performances from Carlos Rodón and Luis Gil.

And the Yankees may not stop there.

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The bullpen, while effective, could use one more locked arm to shorten postseason games. Enter Emmanuel Clase, Cleveland’s All-Star closer and one of the most dominant relievers in the league. If the Guardians retool and make Clase available, the Yankees will be first in line. Pairing him with Devin Williams and Luke Weaver would give New York one of the most lethal late-inning duos in the majors.

Whether it’s swinging big for an ace like Gallen or locking down the ninth with Clase, one thing is certain—the Yankees are in go-for-it mode. With the third base void filled, the Bronx Bombers are setting their sights on arms that can carry them deep into October.