The New York Yankees are expected to explore trade options for third baseman Ryan McMahon this offseason as the team looks to reshape its roster after another early playoff exit.
McMahon is entering the final year of a six-year, $70 million contract he signed with the Colorado Rockies. He is owed $16 million in 2027.
The 31-year-old struggled offensively in 2026. He hit .213 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI across 328 at-bats in 124 games. His Baseball-Reference wins above replacement finished at 0.0.
Since arriving in New York midway through the 2025 season, McMahon has played 178 games for the Yankees. He has totaled 15 home runs and 59 RBI in that span, with an OPS+ of 77.
The Yankees acquired him from the Rockies on July 25, 2025, in exchange for minor league pitchers Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz. McMahon had earned an All-Star selection with Colorado in 2024.
New York finished the 2026 regular season 93-68 and second in the American League East. The club advanced past the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series before being swept by the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series.
The St. Louis Cardinals have emerged as a logical trade partner. The club is open to adding a short-term option at third base for 2027 while waiting on a prospect.
Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors noted on Oct. 13 that McMahon could fit in St. Louis under the right circumstances.
“If the Yankees are willing to eat some of Ryan McMahon’s remaining $16MM, he’d be a decent fit as a glove-first option with enough pop to create hope for a rebound in the final season of his contract.”
Any return package is expected to be modest given McMahon’s recent production and the money left on his deal.
Adam Weinrib of FanSided recently assessed the Yankees’ leverage.
“What can the Yankees obtain for McMahon? Unfortunately, not all that much – the Cardinals have a number of young, hungry, OBP-heavy hitters, but even one of their overflow catchers feels too ambitious here,” Weinrib wrote.
“Maybe righty backup Pedro Pages. Maybe. The most likely outcome is that the Yankees eat half or more of McMahon’s contract in exchange for a bullpen piece, or they eat less than that and receive a lottery ticket prospect before heading back to the drawing board to fill third base externally.”
Joel Sherman of the New York Post has indicated the Yankees intend to work hard to move McMahon’s remaining salary.
Trading McMahon would free the Yankees from his 2027 salary and allow them to pursue other options at third base through free agency or the trade market. His limited offensive impact in 2026 has made him a candidate for a change of scenery.
The Cardinals’ willingness to consider a one-year addition creates a potential match if New York is willing to retain a portion of the contract. Without such flexibility, finding a trade partner could prove difficult.
McMahon’s strong defensive reputation remains his primary selling point. Teams seeking a reliable glove at third base may still see value if the financial terms can be adjusted.
For the Yankees, moving on would represent a clear shift after a disappointing season that ended without a deep playoff run. The organization now faces decisions on several infield pieces heading into the winter.
