Yankees Exploring Potential Trade to Bolster Infield, Rockies’ Ryan McMahon in Play

The New York Yankees are navigating a critical offseason, responding to a roster shake-up after losing Juan Soto to their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Yankees have been actively shopping right-hander Marcus Stroman and could use him as a trade chip to secure a much-needed infield upgrade.

With Gleyber Torres departing via free agency, the Yankees are left with internal replacement options that fail to inspire confidence. One intriguing solution could be Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon. A proposed trade by Newsweek’s Drew VonScio outlines a deal that would send McMahon and international bonus pool money to the Yankees in exchange for Stroman and infielder Oswaldo Cabrera.

The Trade Proposal

• Yankees receive: Ryan McMahon, international bonus pool money
• Rockies receive: Marcus Stroman, Oswaldo Cabrera

“This trade makes a lot of sense for both parties,” VonScio argues. “Acquiring McMahon would allow the Yankees to lock down one of their infield positions, presumably third base. Cabrera, meanwhile, has limited opportunities in New York and would benefit from a change of scenery. On the Rockies’ end, Stroman would provide a much-needed boost to their injury-plagued rotation.”

The Rockies’ pitching staff has struggled with health, with Antonio Senzatela and Germán Márquez combining for only four starts in 2024. Adding Stroman, a veteran with proven reliability, would address a glaring weakness in Colorado.

McMahon’s Fit in New York

Ryan McMahon’s potential arrival would bring stability and pop to the Yankees’ infield. The 29-year-old infielder made 532 career starts at third base and was named an All-Star for the first time last season. McMahon hit 20 home runs in 2024, marking the fifth time in six years he’s reached that milestone. The lone exception was the shortened 2020 season.

For the Yankees, McMahon would not only secure the hot corner but also allow Jazz Chisholm to transition into an everyday role at second base. McMahon’s bat and glove would immediately elevate a Yankees infield that has lacked consistent production.

Financial Considerations

The Rockies might be motivated to move McMahon’s contract, which still has $44 million remaining on the six-year, $70 million extension he signed in 2022. For a team in a rebuilding phase, shedding salary while acquiring a starter like Stroman and a young, versatile player like Cabrera could be appealing.

What’s Next for the Yankees?

The Yankees have shown an urgency to retool after falling short in 2024. Losing Soto to the Mets was a significant blow, but this proposed trade could help shore up their infield and position them for a bounce-back season.

For the Rockies, the deal offers a path to address their pitching woes while shedding salary, making it a win-win on paper. Whether this trade materializes remains to be seen, but the Yankees’ aggressive approach suggests they’re leaving no stone unturned this offseason.

Stay tuned—this could be the move that reshapes the Yankees’ infield heading into 2025.