Sports · Baseball · 2 hrs ago
Yankees Face Questions at Third Base After McMahon’s Down Year
The Yankees were swept by the Rays in the ALDS after a strong season, and they have several roster decisions to make this offseason.
Third base is one concern: Ryan McMahon had a poor year at the plate, hitting .213 with 11 home runs in 124 games.
His defense also fell from its strong level in 2025, leaving him with just 0.5 wins above replacement.
McMahon is under contract for a guaranteed $16 million, but his value as an everyday third baseman is in doubt.
The team may hesitate to replace him because it also needs to address its bullpen and could seek a second baseman.
The Yankees’ 2027 plan for third base remains unsettled, and the available information does not say what move they will make.
The Yankees are weighing whether Ryan McMahon can remain their everyday third baseman in 2027 after a disappointing season.
McMahon hit .213 with 11 home runs in 124 games and recorded 0.5 wins above replacement.
His defensive value also fell, from +10 Defensive Runs Saved in 2025 to -3 this season.
The Yankees’ third basemen combined for a 74 wRC+, tied for the fifth-worst production in the league.
McMahon is under contract for a guaranteed $16 million, while the Yankees have other offseason needs, including the bullpen.
- Who
- The New York Yankees and third baseman Ryan McMahon.
- What
- The Yankees face questions about whether McMahon should remain their everyday third baseman in 2027.
- When
- After McMahon’s 2026 season; the article was published on October 18, 2026.
- Where
- New York.
- Why
- McMahon’s hitting and defensive production declined, while the Yankees are considering how to address several offseason needs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
McMahon averaged 2.3 fWAR per year from 2021 to 2025.
McMahon recorded +10 Defensive Runs Saved and +7 Outs Above Average at third base.
McMahon played 124 games and recorded 0.5 fWAR.
The Yankees were swept in three games by the Rays, prompting discussion of upgrades, including at third base.
- McMahon’s 2026 batting line
- .213/.279/.357
- Home runs in 2026
- 11
- Third-base production
- Yankees’ 74 wRC+, tied for fifth-worst in the league
- McMahon’s 2026 value
- 0.5 fWAR
- Guaranteed salary
- $16 million
- Third-base defense
- -3 DRS and 0 OAA in 2026