Yankees have a Ryan McMahon problem that might have a $25 million solution

The 2026 season for the New York Yankees hasn't been a bad one by any means, but there is still plenty of room for improvement with this team.

While bullpen help would be nice, the Yankees' biggest issue is in the infield, and specifically, with 2025 trade deadline acquisition Ryan McMahon.

Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller identified the Yankees' biggest issue as their McMahon problem. The solution for this problem might be an unfortunate $25 million one that is reminiscent of the Yankees' DJ LeMahieu decision.

Yankees' Ryan McMahon problem might have an unfortunate resolution

"New York Yankees: The Ryan McMahon Conundrum," Miller writes. "... At what point do they admit defeat and eat roughly $25 million to release McMahon, like they did with DJ LeMahieu last year?"

McMahon is 31 years old and under contract through 2027 on his $70 million deal. As Miller notes, there's $25 million left on his contract, and if the Yankees cut ties with him, they'll eat a lot of money to move on from the struggling infielder.

But, considering McMahon, in 53 games this season, has a .208 batting average with a .623 OPS, it might not be the worst decision to move on from him this year.

He was much better with the Colorado Rockies, and since the Yankees acquired him, he's posted a .633 OPS in 107 games played, not remotely good enough for the amount of money he's making.

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There's not likely to be any team interested in trading for him either, so the Yankees' only real option with McMahon, other than benching him or continuing to play him, would be to release him.

They did that with LaMaheiu recently, and it did end up working out, as they got better production from his substitutes.

Whether the Yankees try again in the trade market or move one of Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jose Cabellero, or Anthony Volpe to the hot corner, the Yankees need to change things up at third base.

This McMahon problem is a real issue for the Yankees. His expensive contract and his struggles make this a tricky decision to make.

It will be interesting to see what happens with McMahon, as this issue isn't going away until the Yankees either bench or cut him, neither of which would be an easy decision to make.

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