'Unplayable' Yankees infielder may be $32 million Brian Cashman mistake

Less than one year after making a trade for a third baseman at the deadline, the New York Yankees find themselves with a similar need in 2026. 

While Amed Rosario has been a fine plug-and-play guy at third against left-handed pitching, another one of New York's options at the hot corner is producing uninspiring numbers. 

"[Ryan] McMahon’s 60 wRC+ is the worst among Yankees regulars, and he’s graded out poorly on defense (minus-3 Defensive Runs Saved)," The Athletic's Brendan Kuty wrote. "He’s been almost unplayable." 

McMahon, who is known to have good power despite high strikeout rates, has hit just four home runs in 50 games. He has hit 20 or more homers in five consecutive seasons, dating back to 2021 with the Colorado Rockies. 

The Rockies were the team the Yankees acquired him from before last year's trade deadline. New York owes McMahon $16 million this year and next. 

That contract will be almost impossible to trade away for general manager Brian Cashman. McMahon's 31.3% strikeout rate ranks in the eighth percentile in the Majors, and he doesn't draw many walks. 

MORE: Mets projected to still sell at trade deadline by ex-MLB GM

If his poor play continues, Cashman will be working the phones (again) to find another left-handed hitting corner infielder. 

Cashman would never admit it, but making the trade for McMahon was probably a mistake. 

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