The New York Yankees pulled out all the stops last offseason with a flurry of blockbuster moves, followed by aggressive trades at the deadline, yet it still wasn’t enough to propel them back to the World Series. Now, as the team gears up for another round of roster shake-ups, the infield remains a focal point of potential transformation.
Despite acquiring Jazz Chisholm Jr. at last year’s trade deadline, parting ways with Gleyber Torres during the winter, inking Paul Goldschmidt to a deal, and later trading for Ahmed Rosario, the Yankees’ infield puzzle might not be complete. In a bold prediction, “Talkin’ Yanks” host Jake Storiale suggested that the team could soon cut ties with third baseman Ryan McMahon—whom they just brought in at this past trade deadline.
“It’s in play,” Storiale declared on a recent episode of the podcast, hinting at the possibility of a quick exit for the infielder.
Such a move would come as a shock, given how recently McMahon joined the Yankees, but Storiale argues it’s worth considering due to the player’s underwhelming offensive output at the hot corner. While McMahon brings undeniable value on defense, his bat hasn’t lived up to the demands of a powerhouse lineup like New York’s.
“I don’t know if there’s more in there, but $16 million for a third baseman that definitely has the glove and you’re not sure what you have with the bat—he doesn’t fit this current Yankee lineup,” Storiale explained. “He is a luxury piece, and the Yankees currently don’t operate in luxury pieces.”
Storiale didn’t downplay McMahon’s elite defensive skills, which have earned him Gold Glove consideration in the past. However, with a dismal .208 batting average from the previous season, carrying that kind of production at third base feels like an indulgence the Yankees can’t afford amid their championship aspirations.
If the front office shares Storiale’s view, McMahon could find himself on the move—or out of pinstripes altogether—just months after the team made the stunning trade to acquire him. As the offseason heats up, this “hard truth” underscores the Yankees’ relentless pursuit of a roster built for October glory, where even recent additions aren’t safe from scrutiny.