The Yankees Are Trying Something With Ryan McMahon That Nobody Saw Coming

Ryan McMahon is getting reps at shortstop this spring, and yeah, it’s a big deal.

Look, McMahon has barely touched shortstop in his career. We’re talking three innings back in 2020. Yet, with Anthony Volpe likely starting the 2026 season on the injured list, the Yankees are throwing McMahon into the mix as a potential backup option. Jose Caballero is expected to get most of the reps, but McMahon’s involvement can’t be ignored. It’s not every day you see a guy known for his third base defense suddenly tossed into a shortstop role.

“I’m hoping to show Yankees fans a little more this season.”

Ryan McMahon highlights moments from last season, offseason adjustments, and more with @M_Marakovits.

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— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 21, 2026

Why McMahon?

Let’s not sugarcoat it. McMahon’s 2025 offensive performance was a struggle. After joining the Yankees midseason from Colorado, he hit just .208 in 54 games. His power dipped too, with only four homers in pinstripes. But here’s the thing: his defense at third was rock solid. That’s why the Yankees grabbed him. They hoped his bat would follow suit, but it didn’t. Now, with Volpe sidelined, they’re testing his versatility. It’s a gamble, but given the state of the roster, one worth considering.

A Defensive Gamble

Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon (19) throws to first base for an out during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Yankee Stadium on July 27, 2025.

McMahon’s known for his Gold Glove-caliber defense at third. Moving him to shortstop is risky, but desperate times call for desperate measures. His experience is limited, but he’s willing to try if it helps the team. “I’ll do whatever Booney and the guys ask me to do,” McMahon stated. That’s the kind of attitude you want, but it’s a big leap from third to short. Can he handle it? Only time will tell.

Offensive Adjustments

Offensively, McMahon’s been working on changes. His strikeout rate in 2025 was brutal, clocking in at 32.3%, one of the worst in the league. But he’s not sitting idle. Over the offseason, McMahon and the Yankees’ hitting coaches went over his mechanics, narrowing his stance to improve rotation and consistency. He knows he needs to show more at the plate, and he’s putting in the work. If these adjustments pay off, it could be a game-changer for the Yankees.

Looking Ahead

McMahon’s future with the Yankees hinges on this offseason. He knows it, and the fans know it. His role in 2026 could be pivotal, especially if injuries continue to plague the roster. If he can adapt to shortstop, even as a backup, and find his swing again, he could become an invaluable asset. For now, we watch and wait. Spring training will be telling.

Volpe’s Injury Shakes Up Infield Plans

So, Anthony Volpe is set to start the season on the injured list. Great. Just what the Yankees need. Another shake-up before the first pitch is even thrown. Enter Ryan McMahon, the guy with all of three career innings at shortstop. It’s like asking a fish to climb a tree. But hey, desperate times, right?

McMahon’s Defensive Gamble

McMahon’s known for his solid glove at third base, not shortstop. Yet here we are, rolling the dice. The Yankees are banking on his defensive to translate across the diamond. It’s a risky move, but maybe it’s the jolt this team needs. Or maybe it’s just another misstep in a season full of them. Who knows?

And let’s talk about those strikeouts. McMahon whiffed 189 times last year. That’s not just a problem; it’s a crisis. If he’s going to be any help filling in for Volpe, he’s got to make contact. The Yankees can’t afford another automatic out in the lineup. It’s time for McMahon to step up or step aside.

Jose Caballero is expected to be the main guy at shortstop. But McMahon’s involvement in spring training is no joke. If he can handle shortstop even half as well as third base, it might just patch up the infield for now. But let’s be real. This is more of a band-aid than a solution.

Look, the Yankees need something to work in their favor. Maybe it’s McMahon at short. Maybe it’s not.

Felix Pantaleón

Founder

About the Author Latest Posts

Born in Manhattan, New York, Felix Pantaleon is a Dominican-American digital content creator and the founder of NYYNEWS.com, the first and longest-running independent New York Yankees content creator platform, active since 2005.

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