he New York Yankees are set up at the hot corner for the foreseeable future.
The Yankees addressed their hole at third base for the foreseeable future with the trade for Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies, according to MLB.com Yankees beat reporter Bryan Hoch.
Much was made about New York’s glaring third-base deficiency throughout the 2025 season, especially after utility infielder Oswaldo Cabrera went down for the year in May.
But McMahon solidified the position both in the field and at the plate by posting a .971 fielding percentage and hitting four home runs in his 54 games for the Yankees.
Insider: ‘It’s A Safe Bet’ Ryan McMahon Will Be The Yankees’ Opening Day Third Baseman
Yankees fans may have gotten confused by the potential rental situation involving Eugenio Suarez, who ultimately ended up with the Seattle Mariners.
But general manager Brian Cashman addressed the Yankees’ needs for 2025 with an eye on the future, including the deal for McMahon.
“It seems a safe bet that they’ll go into the season with Ryan McMahon at third base,” Hoch wrote Thursday. “McMahon’s defense was a vast improvement over what they had at the hot corner previously, and even though his bat didn’t play up to expectations (.641 OPS in 54 games), he delivered a few clutch moments.”
Third base is a talent-laden position in this year’s free agent pool, with Suarez and Boston Red Sox/longtime Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman headlining the list of available players.
Yet, with McMahon under team control for two more seasons, Hoch spelled out why the Yankees are unlikely to pursue either and will instead stick with the six-time 20-homer hitter, who combined for 20 blasts with the Rockies and Yankees this season.
“McMahon is earning $32 million through 2027, which likely precludes a serious run at a free agent like Alex Bregman,” Hoch wrote.
Jose Caballero Likely To Get First Shot At Short In Anthony Volpe’s Absence
Left-side-of-the-infield defense is of utmost importance for the Yankees, especially on days lefty co-aces Max Fried and Carlos Rodon toe the slab.
So with McMahon manning third, and with everyday shortstop Anthony Volpe expected to miss at least the first month of the season after off-season shoulder surgery, incumbent Jose Caballero is likely to get the first shot at playing in Volpe’s absence.
“The Yankees do prefer Caballero in a super-utility role, their ideal 10th man, which gives them more flexibility in using him defensively or as a stolen base threat off the bench,” Hoch wrote. “However, with Anthony Volpe out for at least the first month of the 2026 season, it probably will give Caballero a real opportunity for playing time.”
Hoch noted Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is a pending free agent, but the club’s open support of Volpe — plus the fact he will still only turn 25 in July — likely hinders any blockbuster move at short.
“The Yankees are likely to bring in an experienced shortstop or two as non-roster invitees in spring training,” Hoch wrote. “But it’s difficult to see them committing to anyone on a significant contract (like, for example, Bo Bichette) when they are publicly stating that Volpe remains their shortstop of the present and future.”
