R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports believes there’s a slim chance it may happen. He placed McMahon on his list of potential offseason trade targets.
“The Rockies were adamant they weren’t moving McMahon at the deadline — that despite him being in the midst of a career-best season and being owed $44 million over the next three years,” he told ESPN. “Could they change their minds this offseason?” Probably not. We believe that other teams will continue to watch McMahon as they look for infield help.”
McMahon is currently in the middle of a six-year, $70 million contract that extends through 2027. He was selected to his first All-Star game in 2024 and is now batting.Through 408 plate appearances, he has a 252/.343/.426 batting line, 16 home runs, 51 RBI, and 53 runs scored.
His numbers looked much better going into the midsummer classic. In 408 first-half plate appearances, McMahon had a.797 OPS and hit 14 home runs, 21 doubles, 45 RBI, and scored 48 runs. Since returning from the break, the third baseman has battled to a.543 OPS, with only three extra-base hits in 62 plate appearances.
Ryan McMahon Would Have Been a ‘Perfect Fit’ for the 2024 Yankees
Given the troubles of first baseman Anthony Rizzo, second baseman Gleyber Torres, and third baseman D.J. LeMahieu, the Yankees needed to add an infielder at the deadline. There was never any indication that the Rockies were genuinely considering trading McMahon. If they had, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman would most likely have answered the phone right away.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan suggested McMahon as a possible match for the Yankees in his early trade deadline primer on June 4.
“When you have Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, what else do you need? Well, another powerful bullpen arm would be ideal. Perhaps a corner infield bat? ((Ryan) McMahon would be an excellent fit, actually),” he stated. “Otherwise, the Yankees look awfully good, and that’s before they get the equivalent of a megatrade: the return of reigning AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole.”
Of course, the trade with Colorado never materialized, prompting the Yankees to pivot and acquire Chisholm. Throughout his first 33 plate appearances in the Bronx, he has had an excellent start. The 26-year-old is hitting.300/.364/.700 with four home runs, eight RBI, and seven runs scored for the Bombers.
If McMahon becomes available this winter, will the Yankees still be interested?
While a lot may change between now and the offseason, McMahon in pinstripes still looks like a solid idea. Since moving to the Bronx, Chisholm has primarily played third base. However, his versatility would allow New York to make place for the ideal player.
Chisholm has played in a variety of positions on the pitch since his debut in 2020. Aside from the outfield, he’s also comfortable playing second base. Torres is the Yankees’ current starting second baseman. He is set to earn $14.2 million in 2024, although he will be eligible for free agency in November.
Depending on how the Yankees supplement the 2025 roster, Chisholm might fill a spot at second or third base. If the Rockies decide to trade McMahon, Chisholm can easily move to second to make the hot corner available.
One of New York’s top offseason goals will be trying to re-sign outfielder Juan Soto. His next contract might potentially exceed $500 million. Since team owner Hal Steinbrenner also wants to get salary under control, the Yankees may be on the lookout for productive players under contract for multiple seasons.
McMahon would still fit that description wonderfully if the Rockies decide to deal him.
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