When the Yankees snagged Ryan McMahon from the Rockies at last season’s trade deadline, they had a clear mission: revamp his offensive game. McMahon, now 31, hasn't quite hit his stride since 2017, with his peak performance back in 2022, batting .246/.327/.414 and knocking out 20 homers. The Yankees are keen to reverse his downward trend.
Defense: McMahon's Bedrock
With two years and about $30 million left on his contract, McMahon is a defensive gem at third base. Last season, he ranked in the 92nd percentile for range with six outs above average. Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman praised his postseason contributions, especially with ground ball pitchers like Fried and Rodon relying on his side of the field.
Reworking the Stance
Last season, McMahon had one of the widest stances in the league, averaging 42.7 inches between his feet. The Yankees saw this as a key issue affecting his hitting.
They’ve narrowed his stance, giving him a more solid foundation and allowing his upper body to drive power. Aaron Boone is optimistic, seeing untapped potential: “There’s a real two-way player in there.
Some swing adjustments could elevate his game.”
Unlocking the Power Potential
Despite his lean build, McMahon boasts impressive power metrics. Last season, he was in the 95th percentile for average exit velocity (93.3 mph), 76th for barrel rate (12.1%), and 89th for hard-hit rate (50.5%).
He can crush the ball when he connects. In a recent game against the Braves, McMahon showed promise with his adjusted stance, securing a hit and driving in two runs.
If McMahon can reduce his strikeouts and push his home run tally from 20 to 25-30, while maintaining his stellar defense, he’ll become a true two-way threat. Cashman is hopeful: “With a full spring training and winter working with him, we might just unlock something special.”