Yankees Could Replace Ryan McMahon With Exciting Youngster

New York Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon has absolutely been hitting the ball better lately, but let's be honest: his production has still been unacceptable as a whole.

Through the first month-and-a-half of the season, McMahon is slashing .209/.287/.330 with three home runs and 11 RBI over 101 plate appearances. He has struck out 31 times, and based on his .208/.308/.333 slash line in the Bronx last year, this may just very well be who McMahon is.

While his defense is absolutely incredible at the hot corner, the lack of production at the dish is just not going to cut it for a Yankees team hoping to win a World Series. That's especially when the lineup also has other holes.

At some point, New York may have to consider moving off of McMahon, and while the Yankees may not go out and swing a blockbuster trade to fill that void, they do have an internal option who could potentially replace McMahon.

George Lombard Jr.

Lombard is New York's top prospect and is a shortstop, but the Yanks have recently been moving him around the infield with Anthony Volpe now down at Triple-A.

While Lombard is a spectacular defender at shortstop, he may have a quicker path to the big leagues if he is able to field multiple positions.

So does there exist a world in which Lombard — who has shown considerable offensive progression this season — could usurp McMahon at third base?

It doesn't seem very Yankee-like, but it's possible.

Lombard is slashing .289/.397/.495 with four homers and 10 RBI across 116 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A in 2026. He has sputtered a bit since being promoted to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but growing pains are to be expected.

Remember: last year, Lombard tore it up at Single-A before laboring in Double-A, so it's a step-by-step process for him.

Now, if Lombard can't break out of his current slump and ends up struggling in Triple-A all season, then a promotion to the majors isn't likely. But if he rediscovers his stroke and continues showing strong plate discipline, a call up to The Show is within reason.

Of course, what complicates things is McMahon's $16 million salary. He is also due another $16 million next year, which makes him a very difficult piece to move. New York also surely wouldn't want to have a $16 million player riding the bench.

One option is trading McMahon and eating some of that salary, but probably that's not something the cost-conscious Hal Steinbrenner would like.

But if McMahon's lifelessness at the dish continues, the Yankees may be left with no choice but to weigh their alternatives. And Lombard could be near the top of the list.

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