With the postseason push in full swing, the New York Yankees have made a strategic trade move, acquiring veteran third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for minor league pitchers Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz. The acquisition comes as the Yankees look to bolster their infield defense, which has been a major weakness this season.
McMahon, 30, has spent his entire nine-season career with the Rockies, and the team has been looking to move him to secure a future foundation for the franchise. The Yankees’ trade for McMahon is seen as a critical step in addressing their needs at third base, an area that has struggled with a .645 OPS, ranking eighth worst in the majors. While McMahon’s overall numbers at the plate have not been impressive, with a .217 batting average and 16 home runs this season, his recent performance has shown promise, with a .246 average and 14 home runs since May 1.
McMahon’s defensive prowess is another factor in the Yankees’ decision to acquire him, as he is known for his solid fielding at third base. The Rockies, in a statement, expressed their gratitude for McMahon’s contributions and wished him well in his new opportunity, acknowledging the difficulty of parting ways with a player of his caliber.
Meanwhile, both Herring and Grosz, the minor league pitchers acquired by the Yankees, have shown promise in their respective minor league seasons. Herring, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB Draft, has a 7-3 record with a 1.71 ERA in 16 starts between Single-A Tampa and High-A Hudson Valley. Grosz, picked in the 11th round of the 2023 draft, has a 4-8 record with a 4.14 ERA in 16 appearances (15 starts) with High-A Hudson Valley.
The Yankees, with a record of 56-46, are looking to build on their success and strengthen their position in the playoff race. The Rockies, on the other hand, are looking to trade away more players ahead of the July 31 deadline to build toward a competitive future.