Yankees Manager Expresses Confidence in Struggling Third Baseman McMahon

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has reiterated his confidence in third baseman Ryan McMahon, asserting that the slumping player can still be a valuable asset as the team heads into the postseason. McMahon has seen his defensive performance decline this season, with his defensive runs saved dropping from 10 last year to -2 this year, according to FanGraphs. Scouts have also noted a decrease in his range and overall fielding.

Boone, however, remains steadfast in his belief in McMahon's abilities. "Defensively, I have tremendous faith in him moving forward," Boone said. "I understand he’s had a couple misplays here along the way, but I view it as, ‘I want him in the game with the ball hit to him in a big spot.’ "

Offensively, McMahon has also struggled, particularly in the second half of the season. He entered Wednesday with a .614 OPS, ranking among the lowest in Major League Baseball for players with at least 350 plate appearances. His performance against left-handed pitching is particularly concerning, with an OPS of .518 in those situations.

This offensive slump, coupled with defensive concerns, raises questions about his continued presence at third base. Alternative options like José Caballero and Amed Rosario are available. Caballero has performed well at third but is primarily valued as a utility player, while Rosario has a history of hitting lefties well, though he has struggled against them this season.

Despite these challenges, Boone pointed to McMahon's past performance, noting that he "has gotten a lot of big hits for us along the way" and that "last year, he went into the postseason and right away had some big hits for us." Boone suggested that a player with McMahon's abilities can find their form at any time, especially in high-pressure situations.

In related developments, Boone has been exploring the possibility of infielder Anthony Volpe playing third base. Volpe, a converted shortstop, has had some experience at the position in the minor leagues and is deemed ready if called upon. Volpe played three games at third with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season.

McMahon's struggles, especially against left-handed pitching, could create opportunities for Caballero or Rosario, particularly if the Yankees face teams with multiple left-handed pitchers, such as the Red Sox. The team continues to evaluate its options as the playoffs draw near, with the hope that McMahon can regain his previous form.