Yankees’ $70 Million Deadline Target Becomes Offseason Trade Candidate
The New York Yankees bolstered their lineup at the trade deadline by acquiring Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins. However, one of their rumored targets was Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon. The Rockies were not interested in trading him in July, but could that stance change this winter?
CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson believes there’s a small chance it might. He listed McMahon as an offseason trade candidate, noting, “The Rockies were adamant they weren’t moving McMahon at the deadline — despite him being in the midst of a career-best season and being owed $44 million over the next three years. Might they change their minds this offseason? Probably not. But other teams will continue to monitor McMahon as they seek infield help.” McMahon is under contract through 2027 on a six-year, $70 million deal. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2024 and has posted a .252/.343/.426 line with 16 home runs, 51 RBI, and 53 runs scored in 408 plate appearances.
His stats were more impressive before the All-Star break, with a .797 OPS, 14 homers, 21 doubles, 45 RBI, and 48 runs scored. Post-break, McMahon has struggled with a .543 OPS and just three extra-base hits in 62 plate appearances.
Ryan McMahon Would’ve Been a ‘Perfect Fit’ for the 2024 Yankees
With struggles from Anthony Rizzo, Gleyber Torres, and D.J. LeMahieu, the Yankees needed an infielder at the deadline. The Rockies never seriously entertained trading McMahon. If they had, Yankees GM Brian Cashman would likely have been interested.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan suggested McMahon as a good fit for the Yankees in his early trade deadline preview on June 4, stating, “When you’ve got Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, what more do you need? Maybe a corner-infield bat? (Ryan) McMahon would be a perfect fit, actually.” However, the Yankees ended up acquiring Chisholm instead. He has started strong in New York, hitting .300/.364/.700 with four homers, eight RBI, and seven runs scored in his first 33 plate appearances.
If McMahon Is Available This Winter, Would the Yankees Still Be Interested?
McMahon in pinstripes still seems like a good idea, depending on offseason developments. Chisholm has been playing a lot of third base but could move to second base, making room for McMahon. Chisholm’s versatility since debuting in 2020 includes time in the outfield and at second base, currently held by Torres, who will be a free agent after making $14.2 million in 2024.
The Yankees’ offseason priority will be to re-sign outfielder Juan Soto, potentially on a contract exceeding $500 million. Team owner Hal Steinbrenner aims to control payroll, so the Yankees may seek productive, multi-year contract players.
McMahon fits this profile well if the Rockies decide to trade him.
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