Yankees' Ryan McMahon could loom large in playoffs even if bat hasn't shown full potential

MINNEAPOLIS — Ryan McMahon could loom large in the Yankees' postseason run even if his bat hasn't fully shown its potential this season. The Southern California product, an All-Star third baseman who began the year with Colorado, was traded to New York at the deadline and thrust into a high-stakes playoff race where every game carries added pressure. The move gave the Yankees an experienced glove at the hot corner and a veteran presence as they chased October baseball.

In New York, McMahon's offense was quiet through the early stretch after the deadline, but his defense helped steady the infield. The third baseman has been praised for his range, quick hands, and intuitive plays, providing the Yankees with a reliable defender and a steadying influence as the lineup looked for balance in a pennant chase. His contributions have come more from defense and leadership than from power, a profile that could prove valuable in tight, late-season games and potential series against high-caliber pitching.

McMahon entered the season as a known commodity in the big leagues, having earned an All-Star nod and wearing a prominent role in a Rockies lineup that contended in fits and starts. His playoff experience predates his New York stint, with a rookie-season appearance in the 2018 postseason that offered a taste of life under the national spotlight. Coming to a storied franchise in the middle of a tight race provided an opportunity to translate that experience to a new set of teammates, coaching staff, and high-leverage moments.

The Yankees acquired McMahon at the deadline with an eye toward durability and versatility, qualities that can matter as the schedule tightens and postseason matchups demand strategic handling of the lineup and the infield. While the bat may not have carried as aggressively as fans hoped, the defense — anchored by his steady glove at third base — aligns with New York's emphasis on preventing runs and turning double plays in key innings. Those elements, paired with his prior playoff exposure, give the Yankees a option who can contribute even when the bat is quiet.

As New York pivots toward October, McMahon's role could extend beyond his numbers. A veteran presence who knows what postseason baseball requires, he offers a blend of positional reliability and a calm approach that can aid rookie teammates and late-inning matchups. If the Yankees reach the later rounds, his ability to limit damage at third and handle tough plays could be as important as any big swing in the lineup. The path to success for New York in the coming weeks will likely rely on a balanced equation of timely contact, defensive sturdiness, and the steady veteran leadership that McMahon represents.