BREAKING NEWS: Yankees Linked to $70 Million Infield Upgrade
The New York Yankees are currently enjoying a successful season, holding a 2.5-game lead in the American League East with a record of 42-19. Although team owner Hal Steinbrenner aims to reduce the payroll below $300 million, the team’s performance speaks for itself. With such impressive results, it’s challenging to dispute their success. Looking ahead to the trade deadline, there’s speculation about whether general manager Brian Cashman might pursue Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon.
In an early MLB trade deadline analysis by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, he pondered potential additions to bolster the Yankees’ roster for the remainder of the season. Passan suggested that while the Yankees boast talents like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, there’s always room for improvement, particularly with the addition of another formidable bullpen arm or a strong hitter for the corner infield positions. McMahon emerges as a promising candidate in this regard.
McMahon, who has spent his entire eight-year MLB career with the Rockies, has showcased his power with four seasons of 20 or more home runs. In the current season, he’s maintaining an impressive slash line of .284/.371/.470 with 10 home runs, 10 doubles, 34 RBI, and 29 runs scored over 250 plate appearances. Signed to a lucrative six-year, $70 million contract in 2022, McMahon is committed to the Rockies until 2027, earning $12 million annually from 2024-25 and $16 million per year from 2026-27, according to Spotrac.
McMahon Would Help the Yankees With Their Greatest Need
The New York Yankees have showcased a potent offense this season, with standout performances from American League MVP candidates Aaron Judge and Juan Soto leading the charge. However, there have been concerns about the productivity from the right side of their infield, particularly with first baseman Anthony Rizzo and second baseman Gleyber Torres falling short of expectations.
On June 3, Jim Bowden of The Athletic suggested that if the performance in this area doesn’t improve, it could prompt the Yankees to seek upgrades at the trade deadline. This aligns with Passan’s suggestion that Ryan McMahon could be an ideal addition for the Yankees, considering their need for reinforcement in the infield.
While McMahon primarily plays third base, his defensive versatility allows him to cover other infield positions. He has logged significant innings at both first base and second base over his career, totaling 450.2 innings at first base and 1,777.2 innings at second base. This flexibility could provide Yankees manager Aaron Boone with options to adapt the lineup based on daily matchups and defensive needs.
This Would Also Help New York Beyond 2024
Steinbrenner’s desire to reduce the Yankees’ payroll has been noted, as he considers the current level unsustainable for the team. Bringing in someone like McMahon could not only bolster the team’s chances for another World Series title but also potentially facilitate the payroll adjustments Steinbrenner seeks for the future.
With players like Torres and Rizzo potentially coming off the books at the end of the season, their combined salary of $31.2 million in 2024 could be redirected, making room for McMahon’s contract. McMahon’s versatility could also provide reassurance for veteran DJ LeMahieu at third base, offering depth and flexibility in the infield.
Moreover, securing a proven hitter like McMahon with a stable contract would provide the Yankees with cost certainty, enabling them to allocate resources towards retaining key players like Soto, whose free agency looms at the end of the season. This strategic approach could position the Yankees for sustained success beyond 2024, aligning with Steinbrenner’s long-term goals for the team’s financial health.