Yankees Asked Recently Released Player About Ryan McMahon Before Trade

4 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The New York Yankees filled their hole at third base by trading for Ryan McMahon, but they made sure to do their homework first.
The Yankees figured to be in the mix for Eugenio Suárez, but obviously went in a different direction. Suárez was a rental, so there was little long-term risk in a trade for him. However, McMahon is under contract for two more seasons and is owed $32 million.
The Yankees made a commitment to him by acquiring him. Part of the reason the Yankees needed a third baseman was that they released DJ LeMahieu.
LeMahieu was a former teammate of McMahon, and the Yankees asked for his input while working through a trade, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 27: Ryan McMahon #19 of the New York Yankees walks into the dugout before the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Yankee Stadium on July 27, 2025 in...
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 27: Ryan McMahon #19 of the New York Yankees walks into the dugout before the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Yankee Stadium on July 27, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. More"And finally, the New York Yankees, in doing their background work on third baseman Ryan McMahon, checked with some of his former teammates with the Colorado Rockies," wrote Rosenthal. "One of those former teammates was the player whose release effectively created the opening for McMahon -- DJ LeMahieu. The two played together in Colorado in 2017-18, and LeMahieu gave the Yankees a strong recommendation."
In three games with the Yankees, McMahon is 4-for-9 with three RBIs and one extra-base hit. He has hit at least 20 home runs in every full season since 2019 and needs four more homers this season to continue his streak.
If McMahon can slot in as the everyday third baseman and provide even average production, it would be an upgrade over what the Yankees were getting.
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