The New York Yankees entered the season expecting Ryan McMahon to stabilize third base with elite defense and provide a reliable left-handed bat in the middle of the lineup. Instead, the veteran infielder’s offensive struggles have become a glaring issue for a team with World Series aspirations, raising serious questions about his future in pinstripes as the trade deadline approaches.
McMahon is hitting just .183 with 3 home runs and 18 RBIs in his first full season with the Yankees. While his glove has delivered as advertised, the lack of production from the hot corner has prompted the organization to explore upgrades. With New York firmly positioned as a buyer and true contender, insiders suggest the club will not hesitate to address the position aggressively.
Veteran MLB insider and former general manager Jim Bowden of The Athletic made it clear where the Yankees stand.
“Buyers. They’re still my pick to win the AL East. The Yankees’ farm system is stocked with MLB-ready talent in the upper levels, which could help them fill gaps or trade for reinforcements. They are still not getting enough offense from third base and could improve the bullpen as well going forward,” Bowden wrote.
McMahon is in the fifth year of a six-year, $70 million contract and is owed $16 million for both this season and next. While that salary is manageable for a big-market club like New York, the disappointing on-field return has shifted the conversation from long-term stability to short-term solutions. Whether the Yankees look to trade McMahon, move him to a utility or bench role, or keep him as depth remains uncertain—but his days as the everyday third baseman appear numbered.
Internal Pathways Could Accelerate McMahon’s Demotion
Interestingly, the Yankees may not even need to look outside the organization for an upgrade. Before the season began, Bowden made a bold prediction that top prospect George Lombard Jr. would seize the third base job by the All-Star break. Though that timeline has passed, Lombard continues to make a compelling case.
Currently in Triple-A after opening the year in Double-A, Lombard is batting .243 with 4 home runs and 12 RBIs across both levels. Evaluators praise his offensive upside and solid defensive tools, suggesting he could immediately provide a spark that has been missing from McMahon.
Another internal option involves defensive versatility: shifting Jose Caballero to third base and keeping standout shortstop Anthony Volpe in his natural position. Either route would allow the Yankees to inject more dynamism into the infield without surrendering significant assets in a trade.
Revenge Motivation Fuels Current Series
As front-office discussions heat up, the Yankees are channeling their focus onto the field. New York kicked off a four-game home series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday—the same team that eliminated them in the playoffs last year.
“Losing to them in the playoffs, we have a different mindset when it comes to them,” Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. said. “I know a couple of other guys in the clubhouse have that feeling of, like, ‘We owe you something, and we’re going to show you what we’ve got.’”
The Yankees responded with a hard-fought 7-6 victory in the series opener, signaling that the club’s competitive fire remains fully lit.
Outlook
For Ryan McMahon, the writing on the wall is becoming clearer with each passing week. The Yankees’ deep farm system and win-now mentality give them multiple avenues to improve at third base, whether through a blockbuster acquisition or promoting internal talent. While McMahon’s defensive contributions have value, a contending team cannot afford prolonged offensive black holes in key lineup spots.
As the trade deadline nears, the Bronx will be watching closely. A change at third base may not only reshape the Yankees’ roster but could also define the final chapter of McMahon’s tenure in New York.
