Breaking: Yankees Offseason Trade Candidate Named with a $70 Million Deadline Target.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. was acquired by the New York Yankees from the Miami Marlins during the trade deadline, adding to their offensive capabilities. However, third baseman Ryan McMahon was among their most frequently mentioned targets. In July, the Colorado Rockies showed no inclination to trade him; perhaps this winter, things will be different.
According to R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports, there’s a remote possibility that it might. McMahon was on his list of potential offseason trade targets.
“McMahon was having a career-best season and was owed $44 million over the next three years, but the Rockies were adamant they weren’t moving him at the deadline,” he added. Could they decide otherwise this offseason? Most likely not. We do believe that other teams will keep an eye on McMahon while they look for infield support.
McMahon is currently bound by a six-year, $70 million contract that expires in 2027. In 2024, he was selected for his first All-Star team and is currently hitting.Through 408 plate appearances, he is 252/.343/.426 with 16 home runs, 51 RBI, and 53 runs scored.
His performance was much improved going into the midsummer classic. In 408 first-half plate appearances, McMahon recorded a.797 OPS with 14 home runs, 21 doubles, 45 RBI, and 48 runs scored. The third baseman has battled to a.543 OPS since returning from the break, recording just three extra-base hits in 62 at-bats.
Ryan McMahon Would Have Been the Yankees’ “Perfect Fit” in 2024
The Yankees wanted to add an infielder before the deadline because of the troubles of first baseman Anthony Rizzo, second baseman Gleyber Torres, and third baseman D.J. LeMahieu. There was never any suggestion that the Rockies were considering moving McMahon on a serious basis. But if they had, Brian Cashman, general manager of the Yankees, would have most likely answered right away.
On June 4, ESPN’s Jeff Passan included McMahon in his early trade deadline primer as a possible fit for the Yankees.
“With Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, what more do you need? Well, another high-octane bullpen arm would be nice. Maybe a corner-infield bat? ((Ryan) McMahon would be a perfect fit, actually)” he said. “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, a trade with Colorado never materialized, which is what caused the Yankees to turn around and acquire Chisholm, whose first 33 at-bat appearances in the Bronx have been excellent. The 26-year-old is hitting.300/.364/.700 with four homers, eight RBI, and seven runs scored with the Bombers.
Would the Yankees Still Be Interested in McMahon If He’s Available This Winter?
Even though a lot may change in the summer, McMahon wearing pinstripes still seems like a smart move. From moving to the Bronx, Chisholm has been playing a lot at third base. But his flexibility would free up space in New York for the right player.
Since making her diamond debut in 2020, Chisholm has accrued experience at a number of positions. In addition to the outfield, he can play second base with ease. Torres is now the starting second baseman for the Yankees. In 2024, he earns $14.2 million, but in November, he will be eligible for free agency.
Chisholm might cover a third- or second-base spot on the Yankees’ 2025 roster, depending on what they decide to add to the lineup. Chisholm could easily move to second to free up the hot corner if the Rockies decide in an instant that they want to deal McMahon.
Trying to re-sign outfielder Juan Soto will be one of New York’s top offseason goals. His next deal might be for more than $500 million. The Yankees may be searching for productive players with multi-season contracts because team owner Hal Steinbrenner also wants to control payroll.
