The Yankees have hit a slump, and it’s their worst of the season. Losing out on the last five games and shut out in three consecutive games, the once-mighty Bronx Bombers suddenly look like a shadow of their past at the plate. For a team built on power, pedigree, and postseason aspirations, this stretch is sounding alarms across the clubhouse and front office alike.
With the trade deadline looming, the timing of this collapse couldn’t be more telling. If you have watched the Yankees’ recent games, their offensive woes are just alarming (0 runs in the last 3 games). Hence, internal solutions may no longer be enough. If the Yankees are serious about making a deep October run, they need external help.
MLB insider Mark Feinsand reckons a Rockies veteran might be a good fit for the Yankees – Ryan McMahon. “The Rockies had hoped for McMahon to be part of their core when they turned things around, but Colorado appears to be far away from that point, making McMahon a potential trade chip.”
Oswaldo Cabrera is sidelined for the rest of the season due to an ankle injury. Thus, the Yankees’ infield is a bit unsettled right now. And someone like Ryan McMahon could be a solid fit.
McMahon, who signed a 6-year, $70 million contract extension with the Rockies in 2022, is versatile enough to cover third, second, and even first base if needed. His .222 average with a .745 OPS might not look overly impressive. But he’s still managed to hit 11 homers and rack up 12 doubles in 291 plate appearances this season.
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At 30 years of age with a contract that runs through 2027, McMahon could be a part of the Yankees’ plans for the next few years. But the question is, would the Rockies be willing to part ways with one of their everyday players? You might think it’s unlikely. But considering the Rockies are on pace for one of their worst records in MLB history (16-57), the front office may see this as an opportunity to hit the reset button.
Moving McMahon and his contract could be a step toward a full rebuild. It will give them financial flexibility and a chance to focus on younger talent. Something the Yankees should tap to save their dwindling offense.
The Yankees’ offense lineup continues to go south
A few might wonder why a team ranked second in home runs and OPS in the league should be concerned about their offense. Well, it all went downhill in the last few weeks.
The Yankees’ offense has lost the plot so badly that a team with less than a .500 winning percentage is on the verge of sweeping a series. Just a day after a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to the Angels in 11 innings, the Yankees’ bats stayed cold and got blanked once again, this time 4-0 by the Angels at Yankee Stadium. That sums up the first two games against the Angels.
The offense could only manage four hits, marking their third straight shutout loss. Well, despite the slump, the Yankees still hold a 42-30 record and remain atop the AL East. But their cushion is quickly shrinking, with the Rays now just 2.5 games back and the Blue Jays only 3.0 games behind.
Even the Yankees’ biggest offensive names, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, haven’t been able to pull the team out of its current slump. Judge went 0-for-4 in the latest game against the Angels, bringing his batting average down to .372. Well, his hopes of a historic .400 season are quickly fading.
As for Stanton, he went 2-for-4 in the loss, his second straight game with two hits. But having just come off the injured list, he’s only played two games this season. So, it’s still too early to gauge how much impact he’ll have.
So, fresh blood is now the need of the hour for the Yankees. And Ryan McMahon might be a good choice.
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