In a major effort to strengthen their lineup for the 2025 postseason run, the New York Yankees have traded for third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies in a blockbuster deal. The Rockies, in exchange, get two young pitching prospects: lefty Griffin Herring, the Yankees' #8 prospect, and righty Josh Grosz, the #21 prospect in New York's farm system. The deal alters both teams' directions with the trade deadline looming, with the Yankees trying to stabilize their infield and the Rockies building their future pitching depth.

 

 

 

Yankees & Rockies Blockbuster Trade For Ryan McMahon

The deal sends Ryan McMahon, a 30-year-old multi-position infielder, to the Bronx to join a Yankees club seeking to solidify its World Series hopes. McMahon, a nine-year MLB veteran with the Rockies, provides the Yankees with a combination of power, defensive steadiness, and playoff upside. In return, the Rockies add two young pitchers in Herring and Grosz, as they begin to replenish their pitching depth.

McMahon's 2025 numbers with the Rockies translate to a .217 batting average, .314 on-base percentage, and .403 slugging percentage in 100 games, with 16 homers, 42 runs, and 35 RBIs. Although his batting average is lower than his career levels, his 12.2% walk rate and .186 ISO (isolated power) illustrate his capacity to get on base and supply pop at the plate. His defense at third base, as supported by consistently positive defensive statistics (5.8 Def in 2025, according to the stats given), renders him an important two-way player.

 

 

 

Trade Details: What the Yankees Gave Up to Land Ryan McMahon

To acquire McMahon, the Yankees sent away two pitching prospects who hold substantial potential for the Rockies. Left-hander Griffin Herring, ranked #8 in the Yankees' system, is a command-first prospect with a fastball-curveball pairing that should make him a mid-rotation starter in the future. Righty Josh Grosz, the #21 prospect, has a lively fastball and secondary offerings that are still developing but provide a high-upside arm for the Rockies to add to their farm system. Neither prospect is a surefire star, but both are viewed as assets that can impact Colorado's rotation or bullpen in the near future.

For the Yankees, parting with two top-25 prospects is an expensive but strategic cost for an established MLB commodity such as McMahon, who is under team control until 2027. His contract, combined with his baseline production (20+ home runs on average in each of the past five full seasons), makes him a valuable asset for a win-now team.

 

 

 

Why the Yankees Targeted McMahon to Bolster Their Lineup

The Yankees' pursuit of McMahon fills an obvious need for infield stability and offensive potential. As injuries and inconsistent play have beset their infield in recent seasons, McMahon's capacity to man third base (and possibly second base) offers flexibility and dependability. His 88 wRC+ in 2025 might be a tad worse than average, but his career-best 12.2% walk rate and track record of success in hitter-friendly Coors Field portend well for him taking advantage of Yankee Stadium's short right-field porch.

McMahon's power stroke (20 HRs in 2024, 23 in 2023) fits squarely into the Yankees' offensive ethos, and his above-average defense (10.7 Def in 2021, 10.1 in 2022) means he'll make an impact on both sides of the ball. The Yankees probably view McMahon as a long-term asset who can lock down third base while offering lineup depth behind stars like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. His limited postseason experience provides another layer of value for a team with eyes on a deep October run.

 

 

 

Impact on the Rockies After Trading Ryan McMahon

For the Rockies, dealing McMahon represents a turn toward rebuilding following years of mediocre performance in the competitive NL West. McMahon, a fan favorite and one of the longest-tenured players on the team, leaves a hole at third base and in the clubhouse. His 1.4 WAR in 100 games this year speaks to his utility, but Colorado's front office is obviously valuing future assets over near-term competitiveness.

Herring and Grosz provide the Rockies with two arms to develop in a system starving for pitching talent. The Rockies' rotation and bullpen have been struggling in recent years, and adding two high-ceiling prospects could expedite their rebuild. The loss of McMahon's bat and glove makes Colorado thinner in the infield, however, and will likely push them to lean on younger players or make other moves to fill the void. The fans in Denver might feel the loss of a homegrown player, but the deal fits into a long-term vision for the organization.

 

 

 

Fantasy Baseball Implications of Ryan McMahon Joining the Yankees

For fantasy baseball managers, McMahon's trade to the Yankees is an important transaction. Departing Coors Field, a top hitter-friendly park in MLB, may dampen hopes for a rebound in batting average, but Yankee Stadium's dimensions may stabilize his power output. His 16 HRs and .403 SLG in 2025 indicate he is still a 20-25 HR threat, and a potentially more patient lineup in New York may increase his runs and RBI.

Fantasy owners should also consider McMahon's multi-position eligibility (3B, possibly 2B), which provides roster flexibility. His elevated strikeout rate (31.7% in 2025) and .217 average could limit his ceiling in batting average formats, but his walk rate and power ensure he's a good choice in OBP and points leagues. Managers should keep an eye on how he adapts to the AL East and if he hits in a good lineup position, as this would boost his counting statistics. For Rockies players such as Ezequiel Tovar or Brenton Doyle, McMahon's exit could potentially mean more offensive opportunity but less lineup protection. The Yankees' addition of Ryan McMahon is a statement of their desire to win in 2025, and the Rockies' haul of two pitching prospects sets the table for a youth movement in Denver. Both clubs have altered their destinies with this trade, and everyone will be watching McMahon as he takes his talents to the big stage in New York.

 

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