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The New York Yankees have a glaring need in the infield. Even before DJ LeMahieu's injury, the Yankees could have used an upgrade at third base. There are not many great options readily available, but the Colorado Rockies' latest move could indicate they are open for business.
The Rockies surprisingly traded Nolan Jones to the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday. Jones struggled last season, dealing with injuries, but finished fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year race in 2023. The trade of Jones could open the door for the Rockies to trade other star players like Ryan McMahon. FanSided's Zachary Rotman suggested the idea of the Yankees acquiring McMahon.
McMahon signed a five-year, $70 million deal in 2022. He has made 532 career starts in the hot corner and would be an upgrade over all of the Yankees' current options. Last season he was an All-Star and hit 20 home runs. He has hit 20-plus home runs in five of the last six seasons, with the pandemic-shortened 2020 season being the outlier.
"Where he really shines, though, is on the defensive side of the ball," wrote Rotman. "McMahon has accumulated 37 OAA since the start of the 2021 season according to Baseball Savant, which ranks only behind Nolan Arenado and Ke'Bryan Hayes among all third basemen. If he wasn't in a league with Arenado and Hayes throughout his career, he'd have at least one and probably more Gold Gloves by now -- he's that special at the hot corner."
The Yankees lost some serious power in their lineup when Giancarlo Stanton landed on the injured list. Adding McMahon would not only bring some power back to the lineup but fill the biggest hole on the roster.
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About the writer
Aaliyan Mohammed is a Newsweek contributor based in Atlanta, GA. His focus is MLB content. Aaliyan has been with Newsweek ... Read more