The New York Yankees' acquisition of third baseman Ryan McMahon back in late July certainly turned heads. Traded from the Colorado Rockies in a deal that sent prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz the other way, McMahon was supposed to shore up the infield with his lefty bat and Gold Glove defense. At 30, he'd just come off an All-Star nod the previous year, and the Yankees hoped he'd bring some stability to a lineup that had been shuffling at third. Indeed, his debut in pinstripes felt like a fresh start, but things haven't unfolded quite as smoothly as expected.
McMahon himself has been candid about the transition. In a recent interview, he opened up about his recent struggles at the plate, admitting the move from Coors Field's thin air to Yankee Stadium's pressures has been a mental grind. Batting just .240 over his first 40 games with the team, he's struck out more than usual, and those defensive gems haven't fully masked the offensive dips. Moreover, playing under manager Aaron Boone has brought its own adjustments—McMahon praised Boone's steady hand but hinted at the intensity of New York's spotlight wearing on him. However, the Yankees' brass remains optimistic; after all, McMahon's .284 average and 20 homers in Colorado last season suggest he could still click.
As the regular season wrapped, the Yankees clinched a wild card spot, setting up a tense AL Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox starting Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. Game 1 kicks off at 7:08 p.m. ET, followed by a potential Game 2 on Thursday, with a travel day in between if needed. The schedule's straightforward: best-of-three, winner advances to the ALDS. McMahon's role here is crucial—he's slated to start all games, providing that lefty balance against Boston's righties. The team finished 92-70, but injuries and inconsistencies, including McMahon's slump, have tempered some excitement.
Yet, in the Bronx, every postseason run carries weight. McMahon's adaptation will be tested under the brightest lights, and whether he rebounds could define this wild card push. As the first pitch approaches, one wonders if this trade will finally pay dividends or linger as a what-if.