NEW YORK — Ryan McMahon’s offense has failed to deliver as the Yankees entered Sunday’s game with troubling numbers. Since being acquired from Colorado before the trade deadline, the infielder started with promise, going 8-for-20 and hitting two doubles in his first six games. But since then, he has slumped, going just 8-for-53 with 19 strikeouts and enduring a 14-at-bat hitless streak.
Expectations included McMahon exploiting Yankee Stadium’s right-field short porch, yet he remains homerless in his first 52 plate appearances there.
Rowson touts comfort, strengths over swing overhaul
Still, Yankees hitting coach James Rowson pushed back against suggestions McMahon’s performance signals a brewing problem. He described his approach as practical and supportive.
“When you get a guy midseason, you never want to go all out with a reconstruction of his swing,” Rowson said. “You take his strengths — and his strengths are good. You try to keep things easy to get him more comfortable.”
He praised McMahon’s athleticism and power potential.
“I love his athleticism and the way the ball comes off his bat,” Rowson added. “He puts a charge into a ball” .
McMahon owns struggles, leans into Bronx energy
McMahon himself acknowledged his offensive woes without excuses.
“I’m just struggling and not feeling great at the plate,” he said. “I’m just gonna try and go compete. I don’t really care what I do, as long as we win games.”
He noted his affinity for the intensity at Yankee Stadium. The energy he receives fuels him.
“That part has been awesome,” McMahon said. “Feeling the energy every day in the stadium, you need that in the later months. They want to win bad here, and that’s definitely enjoyable.”
He also reflected on his career and resolve.
“I’ve played the game a long time and had struggles worse than this,” he said. “I know this game can be [tough] sometimes, so you’ve got to roll with it and grind through it. That’s what I’m doing now and why I’ve got blisters on my hands. I’m gonna get this thing turned around.”
Defense remains solid amid offensive cold spell
Despite his offensive drought, McMahon continues to anchor the hot corner with solid defense. His glove work remains a dependable facet of the Yankees’ game.
The contrast between his plate struggles and infield performance underscores the nature of his current slump.
McMahon’s extension through 2027 provides him with security through next season. He will earn $16 million annually starting in 2026. That contract length gives the Yankees and the infielder breathing room to ride out the slump.
He flashed the leather perfectly at third base, making several sharp defensive plays in the Yankees’ 7-2 win over the Red Sox on Sunday.
McMahon determined to reverse slump in hot Bronx air
Rowson’s measured approach aims to preserve McMahon’s natural strengths while steering him back toward consistency.
By not overhauling his swing midseason, Rowson hopes McMahon can find comfort and regain offensive rhythm without added stress.
McMahon is committed to grinding through the slump and tapping into the Bronx energy that sold him on the Yankees in the first place. His accountability and resilience align with the “win now” mindset of the club.
“Feeling the energy every day in the stadium, you need that in the later months,” the Yankees third baseman told. “They want to win bad here, and that’s definitely enjoyable.”
The defense around him remains steadfast. Rowson continues to stand by him. And McMahon’s work ethic remains unmistakable.
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