It was Friday afternoon in Baltimore when third baseman Ryan McMahon learned that the Rockies had traded him to the Yankees. Initially, he felt strange about leaving the Rockies’ organization after nearly 13 years. However, during a rideshare journey from Charm City to Yankee Stadium, McMahon appreciated the uninterrupted time.
McMahon arrived at Yankee Stadium around 8:15 p.m. ET but was instructed to prepare for Saturday’s game against the Phillies. He was delighted to discover that uniform No. 19 was available, a number chosen in honor of his father, Jim, and his favorite Rockies teammate, Charlie Blackmon.
In his debut game with the Yankees, McMahon hit eighth in their 9-4 loss to the Phillies. He went 1-for-3 with a walk and made an impressive defensive play by diving to stop Otto Kemp’s hard grounder and throwing him out at first.
“This is every kid’s dream when you are 9 or 10 years old hitting in the backyard in Game 7 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium. It’s going to be pretty cool,” McMahon expressed.
Recently, McMahon has shown improvement at bat over seven games with a .292 average including three home runs and seven RBIs. His overall stats include a slash line of .217/.314/.403 with 16 home runs and 35 RBIs.
“I’m working through some stuff, trying to make sure I’m putting the ball in play. For me, it’s to get a good pitch to hit and make sure I hit it,” McMahon stated.
Known for his above-average defense skills developed alongside former teammates Nolan Arenado and DJ LeMahieu during their time together on the Rockies team, McMahon recalled learning from them: “I remember my first camp… I think I learned how work from those guys—the best do it.”
While not expected as key player like he was Colorado—Yankees already have Aaron Judge Giancarlo Stanton Cody Bellinger—Mcmahon remains eager contribute lineup: “I’m more excited part this lineup… happy part that,” said enthusiastically acknowledging intimidating presence players capable performing various roles within team dynamics
