On Friday, the New York Yankees acquired Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies for two pitching prospects, lefty Griffin Herring and right-hander Josh Grosz. This deal brings a legitimate glove-first third baseman to New York and signals the team’s intent to upgrade without sacrificing top prospects.
The Yankees finally addressed third base, but GM Brian Cashman isn’t done making moves before the trade deadline.
Bronx Gets Its Third Baseman—Finally
McMahon, 30, isn’t a flashy name, but he’s been among the most consistent hot-corner defenders since 2021, ranking second only to Ke’Bryan Hayes in Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average. Offensively, he’s a league-average hitter at .217/.314/.420 with 16 homers, offering lefty pop that could benefit from Yankee Stadium’s short porch.
McMahon isn’t a rental; he’s owed $16 million over the next two seasons, providing stability at third after the Yankees released DJ LeMahieu and shuffled through Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas, who struggled offensively with a combined sub-.200 average and little power.
The Yankees are eating the rest of McMahon’s $12 million salary this season. Their status as a third-time luxury tax payer means more than $5.9 million in additional tax penalties, indicating that the front office is serious about going all in.
Still, one trade only begins to address the Yankees’ larger concerns.
McMahon Solves One Problem, Not All
Even with third base settled, pitching remains a pressing need. Clarke Schmidt is out for the year after Tommy John surgery. Marcus Stroman has been inconsistent. Rookie Cam Schlittler has flashed promise, but the Yankees haven’t tested him as a playoff-caliber starter.
That’s why the Yankees are targeting Pirates’ right-hander Mitch Keller, one of MLB’s most durable starters. He has a 3.53 ERA over 22 starts and is under contract for just over $55 million through 2028. He fits immediate and long-term plans and, with Max Fried and Carlos Rodón, would give the Yankees a deep playoff rotation.
The Yankees have also reportedly shown interest in Pirates closer David Bednar. After an early-season demotion to Triple-A, Bednar has bounced back with a 2.31 ERA and hasn’t allowed an earned run since mid-May. A bullpen anchored by Bednar and Devin Williams could provide the kind of lockdown relief New York needs in October.
Reports suggest that the Yankees could try to swing a package deal for both Keller and Bednar, offering a volume-based return built around mid-tier prospects, such as Bryce Cunningham, Ben Hess, Rafael Flores, and Roc Riggio. The key to that strategy is avoiding the inclusion of Spencer Jones, George Lombard Jr., or Carlos Lagrange—young cornerstones the Yankees are hesitant to move.
Securing McMahon was a smart, cost-controlled move. But to capitalize on Aaron Judge’s MVP-level season and Fried’s rotation dominance, Cashman can’t stop now. New York has the prospect depth and finances to make another impactful trade.
The Yankees have filled one hole, but to truly contend, they must act now. The opportunity to improve the roster is clear, and Cashman needs one more bold move before the deadline to maximize the championship window.
Yankees Land McMahon, but Deadline Mission Isn’t Finished Yet