McMahon opens up on 'coming and going' at the plate, Yankees expectations
Yankees third baseman discusses Judge’s leadership, team goals, and the mental grind of a pennant race as he settles into New York
Ryan McMahon, acquired from the Colorado Rockies at the trade deadline, spoke candidly about the swings of confidence at the plate and the weight of living up to the Yankees’ World Series expectations as the pennant race intensifies. In a wide-ranging conversation with Post columnist Steve Serby, the veteran third baseman offered a behind-the-scenes look at adjusting to life in New York and the mindset that fuels the club’s push toward October.
McMahon described Aaron Judge in glowing terms: “the best way to describe him is, he’s exactly who you would want your son to be.” He said Judge genuinely cares about teammates through and through, on and off the field, and that he invited McMahon to everything from team events to concerts. “There was a Chris Stapleton concert the first day or two I was here, and he made sure that I felt welcomed and could come if I wanted to,” McMahon said, adding that Judge “pulls you in, and it’s a real homey feel with a guy who’s … he’s the King of New York, right?” When Judge is at the plate, McMahon noted, the approach is deliberate and composed: “You stand as far back as you can, him and Stanton.” He recalled a moment when a coach pressed him into double-play depth and McMahon chose to stay where he was, underscoring the New York club’s chemistry. “They’re forces to be reckoned with, that’s for sure.”
Judge’s steadiness at the plate stood out to McMahon as a hallmark of the environment. “Just how composed he stays, man. He’s getting pitched around more than anybody in the league, and he stays with his approach, and when they finally make that mistake, he’s ready for it, man. It’s the composure, but still aggressive. It’s impressive.” The discussion broadened to the Yankees’ overall setup. “I’d say it’s a complete team, right? We’ve got the starters, we’ve got the bullpen, we’ve got the hitters and we’ve got the defense. It’s about putting it together,” McMahon said, acknowledging that the competition is stiff but that the Yankees should be confident against any rival. “We’ve got a lot of other good teams out there, but I’d put us up against anybody.”
McMahon also touched on the post-season mindset: a goal is clear, and the team accepts the pressure. “Ever since I got here, it has been talked about every single day. It is the goal, it’s what’s on everybody’s mind, and it’s made it real easy to fall in line and have that be your daily goal.” When asked to describe the World Series-or-bust expectations, he answered with a straightforward conviction: “You have to.” He cited the influence of several teammates, offering praise in brief, sometimes colorful terms: Max Fried is an “Absolute dawg on the mound,” David Bednar is an “absolute animal,” and Giancarlo Stanton is “the ultimate pro, super down-to-earth.” McMahon also highlighted Anthony Volpe’s talent, Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s ceiling, and Carlos Rodón’s competitive fire, adding that Will Warren and Cam Schlittler are already showing the hallmarks of future impact.
The interview also explored McMahon’s on-field mentality and the mental tools he relies on to stay sharp. He said his goal is simple: “do whatever it takes to win.” The confidence message was tempered with realism: “It’s coming and going. This game’s hard, man. I’m looking for a little fix, and right after I’m done with this interview I’ll be going to the cage for a little bit working with the coaches.” He stressed the value of psychology in modern baseball: “I do. I think having a strong mind is a huge part of this game. If not, this game will beat you down.” He pointed to past experiences in Colorado and beyond, noting that he has studied mental skills, including work with a former coach, and that Ravizza’s principles—control what you can control, have a plan and commit to it—continue to guide him.
When asked whether he has ideas for a defensive or offensive ceiling, McMahon did not promise perfection but expressed a clear desire for personal growth. “A Gold Glove? I would love to have one, man. I’m going to carry myself that way. If that falls on my lap, it falls on my lap.” He drew respect for veterans and peers while acknowledging his own leadership style: he never set out to be a loud voice in the room, instead aiming to be someone teammates could lean on and talk to. “I never tried to be a leader, I just tried to be somebody that guys can lean on and would feel comfortable coming and talking to,” he said, recalling a handful of team meetings where he tried to speak from the heart.
McMahon recounted the 2024 All-Star experience as a highlight and reflected on the life balance required to thrive in New York. Balancing fatherhood with a demanding schedule is not for the faint of heart, he admitted, noting Austyn is now 1 1/2. He spoke warmly about his wife Natalie and a dog named Radley, a 105-pound Bernedoodle described as a “house hippo” who keeps life light when the schedule turns grueling. McMahon said his family’s support helps him stay grounded, and he joked about juggling as a talent in itself, adding that a few of his favorite extracurriculars include grilling and golf, where he sits around a 2 handicap while keeping an eye on the Dodgers, his childhood fandom.
Looking ahead, McMahon offered the kind of message that is common in the Yankees’ clubhouse: a promise to bring maximum effort every game and to trust that the team’s preparation will translate into success. He spoke with pride about wearing the pinstripes and about the energy of the Bleacher Creatures, acknowledging the fans’ passion even when they booed. “Playing baseball in New York is every kid’s dream,” he said, and then added a direct message to the fan base: “I’m gonna give you everything I’ve got, and I’m gonna give this team everything I’ve got.” He closed with a reminder that, while daydreams and visualization have a place in any athlete’s routine, the reality remains: the postseason will demand the same relentless focus that has defined his career so far. “Visualize winning,” he said, describing a mindset that keeps the team marching toward its mountaintop.