The New York Yankees are slipping—and the front office knows it. After a red-hot start to the season, the Bombers are now clinging to a tie atop the American League East with the Toronto Blue Jays, having lost 13 of their last 20 games. And while plenty of attention has been paid to their pitching inconsistencies and lineup depth behind Aaron Judge, one issue is emerging: third base.
It’s been a revolving door at the hot corner in 2025, and the Yankees are ready to shut it. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the team has officially started making calls ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, and Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon has emerged as a potential fix.
Chisholm’s Position Change Is Wearing Thin
The Yankees asked a lot of Jazz Chisholm Jr. when they brought him over—and they’re still asking. Chisholm, a natural second baseman and offensive bright spot (.829 OPS in 56 games), has been manning third base out of necessity, but the fit has been awkward at best.
“Everybody knows I’m a second baseman,” he told The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner this week. “I know I’m better at second base… but I still have to play third. I just have to deal with it.”
That honesty adds an emotional wrinkle to what’s already a tough on-field situation. Chisholm isn’t sulking—he’s playing every day and helping the team—but his discomfort at third has been evident. If the Yankees are serious about a deep October run, they’ll want players at their best positions. That includes letting Chisholm get back to where he’s most effective—up the middle.
LeMahieu’s Regression Can’t Be Ignored
And if Chisholm’s out of place, DJ LeMahieu has just been underwhelming. The veteran has seen time at third as well, but his bat hasn’t followed. Through 41 games, LeMahieu is slashing just .254/.333/.331 with only one homer—a far cry from the player who used to be a key piece at the top of the order.
He still brings value defensively and as a clubhouse leader, but right now, LeMahieu’s offensive struggles are part of the reason the Yankees are searching for help. If there’s a deal to be made for an everyday third baseman who can stabilize the infield and contribute at the plate, the Yankees are going to explore it.
McMahon Could Be the Yankees Answer
Enter Ryan McMahon. The Rockies’ third baseman is quietly one of the better defenders in baseball—he ranks 8th among third basemen with a 0.7 Defensive WAR—and he’s coming off a 2024 All-Star appearance. On a floundering Colorado team, McMahon stands out as a reliable bat and glove, and according to Heyman, the Yankees have already reached out to test the waters.
Would McMahon cost a premium? Probably. However, the Yankees have the prospect capital, and this move could make a significant difference. Not just for the infield—for the entire playoff picture. With Aaron Judge doing MVP-level slugging again, adding stability around him is a must.
The AL East isn’t giving anyone a free pass this year. Between Toronto, Baltimore, and even a surging Red Sox team, the Yankees have no room for error. That makes the third base issue a potential roadblock.
Chisholm has been a good soldier, but he knows—and the Yankees know—that his best fit is at second. LeMahieu’s bat just isn’t getting it done. And Ryan McMahon? He might just be the guy to calm the chaos, lock down the left side, and give this team the defensive upgrade and offensive depth it needs heading into the dog days of summer.
