The New York Yankees are increasingly likely to explore a trade involving Ryan McMahon as they look to upgrade third base after his disappointing 2026 season. The 31-year-old third baseman has been put on the trade block, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman, and the Yankees are well aware that they will have to either pay down his $16M salary or take a “bad” contract back.
McMahon's offensive struggles have been consistent since the Yankees acquired him from the Colorado Rockies at the 2025 trade deadline. In 124 games during the 2026 season, the 31-year-old hit .213/.279/.357 with 11 home runs, 41 RBIs and a .635 OPS. That production means that he is unlikely to return to third base for New York next season.
McMahon also struggled on defence, and finished with zero Outs Above Average and minus-three Defensive Runs Saved at third base. The 31-year-old is entering the final season of his six-year, $70 million contract and is owed $16 million in 2027, a salary that is likely to make finding a trade difficult.
A league source indicated that the Yankees would probably be willing to pay down part of that commitment to facilitate a deal, per NY Post. New York could also take back another undesirable contract rather than directly subsidize McMahon's salary, but either approach would involve a financial cost.
Article Continues BelowThe possibility of a shortened 2027 season because of the looming labor dispute adds another complication for teams considering players with only one year remaining on their contracts. The Yankees undoubtedly plan to shore up what was consistently a problem position last season.
They have reportedly already begun to look for potential replacements, with free-agent Alec Bohm emerging as one potential option, alongside Chicago Cubs right fielder Matt Shaw.
However, for now, it remains to be seen how New York ends up offloading McMahon’s contract.