DJ LeMahieu credited with molding Ryan McMahon into elite defensive third baseman

Ryan McMahon has emerged as one of Major League Baseball’s top defensive third basemen, and the New York Yankees say much of the credit belongs to veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu.

The Yankees entered this season with one of the weaker third-base situations in the majors. LeMahieu’s inability to play this season forced a reshuffling — including a move that returned Jazz Chisholm Jr. to third base, where he performed as a below-average defender. When LeMahieu struggled at the plate and in the field at second base, the club ultimately released the respected veteran despite nearly $22 million remaining on his contract through next year. The player who replaced him in the infield, McMahon, has since solidified the spot.

McMahon has been credited by teammates and coaches for steadying the position defensively, and he has publicly acknowledged LeMahieu’s role in his development. Yankees officials say LeMahieu’s preparation, routines and defensive approach provided tangible lessons that helped McMahon sharpen his play at the hot corner.

The transition altered the Yankees’ infield dynamic. Early-season absences and performance issues prompted manager and front-office adjustments as the club sought reliable defense and consistent offense. Chisholm’s move back to third base came before McMahon assumed a regular role; the team’s defensive metrics at the position improved after McMahon settled in.

LeMahieu arrived in New York as a seasoned, respected veteran whose versatility had been an asset in previous seasons. This year’s struggles at the plate and in a second-base role contributed to the Yankees’ decision to cut ties, a move that left significant money on the books but opened a path for younger players. McMahon’s rise has provided the Yankees with a defensive solution at third and, according to team sources, a player who applies the habits and techniques he learned from LeMahieu.

The shift at third base has had roster implications beyond defense. The Yankees have juggled lineup composition and bullpen usage with an eye toward balancing run production and run prevention. While the club’s offensive needs remain a consideration, securing a dependable defender at third has been a priority for the coaching staff.

The Yankees’ turnaround at third base illustrates how veteran influence and in-season roster moves can alter a team’s trajectory. McMahon’s improvement has reassured the organization about the position’s stability, and his attribution of part of his development to LeMahieu highlights the indirect value a veteran presence can have even after he is no longer in uniform.

As the season progresses, the Yankees will continue to monitor McMahon’s play and the overall makeup of their infield. For now, the club has gone from one of baseball’s biggest questions at third to a situation that, in the view of coaches and front-office personnel, ranks among the league’s better setups defensively.