The New York Yankees seem to be headed toward making a surprising $16 million decision.
When the New York Yankees acquired Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies at last year's MLB trade deadline, many fans were a bit trepidatious.
Yes, the Yankees needed a third baseman. Desperately. And McMahon was the best one available at the time. But he also was under contract through 2027, and while he has always been a terrific defender, his offense is sorely lacking.
Now, New York is finding that our the hard way.
Since arriving in the Bronx in July 2025, McMahon is slashing .207/.285/.338 with 14 home runs and 53 RBI over 537 plate appearances. This year, he is batting .206 with a .614 OPS, and this month, he is slashing .143/.217/.167.
Things have gotten so bad that the Yankees are now planning on experimenting with Anthony Volpe at third base with what's left of the regular season to see if perhaps he can handle the role come playoff time.
Volpe has very minimal experience at the hot corner in the minor leagues. He has never played the position on the big-league level. So the fact that New York is now trying to stick Volpe over there shows how dire the situation has become.
What does that mean for McMahon this offseason?
Well, the 31-year-old is under contract for one more year at $16 million. The Yankees aren't getting anyone to take that deal. At best, they could potentially convince some team to take McMahon if they are willing to eat part of his 2027 salary. Even then, it's unlikely.
Not only is McMahon a black hole offensively, but he has also suffered a considerable decline in the field this season. Once a Gold Glove-caliber defender, McMahon has posted minus-2 defensive runs saves in 2026.
So really, how much utility does McMahon actually have at this juncture?
I didn't think Hal Steinbrenner would be willing to absorb McMahon's money by outright cutting him. But that might actually be a thing this winter.
It's clear the Yankees need to find another answer at third base. It isn't Volpe long term. That's for sure.
New York is now much more financially conscious than it had been years ago, which is why I've always thought the idea of just eating that cash — or turning McMahon into a $16 million bench player — was unlikely. But the Yanks may be heading down that road.
I completely understand why the Yankees made the trade for McMahon, and I supported it at the time. But it has devolved into an absolute disaster.
