NY Yankees reportedly trade for Rockies’ third baseman over Eugenio Suarez to bolster infield behind Aaron Judge

The New York Yankees have taken a surprising turn in their pursuit of third-base help, acquiring Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies instead of the more commonly linked Arizona Diamondbacks star Eugenio Suarez. With Aaron Judge anchoring the lineup and the trade deadline looming, the organization prioritized defensive consistency and left-handed power over the riskier offensive upside of Suárez.

McMahon, who has quietly anchored the hot corner in Colorado this MLB season, is expected to provide much-needed stability for a Yankees infield that has seen constant reshuffling. The 30-year-old is under team control through 2027 and comes with a manageable salary, adding both long-term value and immediate impact.

“Breaking: The Yankees are acquiring 3B Ryan McMahon from the Rockies, per source. Colorado will receive two prospects in return.” MLB Insider Mark Feinsand wrote via “X”.

Why McMahon over Suarez?

While Eugenio Suarez was widely considered the Yankees’ top target at third base, his high strikeout rate and defensive limitations may have shifted New York’s focus. McMahon, by contrast, ranks in the 91st percentile in outs above average, has started a Major League-leading 100 games at third this season, and brings a more balanced profile.

Though his overall numbers — .217 batting average, 16 HR, .717 OPS — aren’t eye-popping, McMahon has surged since early June, posting 10 home runs and an .820 OPS over his last 39 games.

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Yankees’ infield shake-up

McMahon’s arrival fills a critical void at third base, where Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas have struggled to produce. The move also allows Jazz Chisholm Jr. to remain at second base, following the release of DJ LeMahieu.

Projected infield for the Yankees might look like this:

• 1B: Anthony Rizzo
• 2B: Jazz Chisholm Jr.
• 3B: Ryan McMahon
• SS: Anthony Volpe

With Aaron Judge anchoring both the outfield and the lineup, McMahon’s left-handed bat could add balance and much-needed defensive stability to a Yankees team firmly focused on a postseason push.