Houston — For almost two months, Ryan McMahon heard the criticism. The third baseman, acquired from Colorado at the trade deadline, was expected to stabilize the hot corner for the Yankees. Instead, his struggles quickly turned him into another example of Brian Cashman’s questionable midseason moves.
That narrative shifted Thursday night in Houston. McMahon drove in three runs in an 8-4 victory over the Astros, helping the Yankees clinch the series. His performance eased some of the heat on both himself and Cashman.
McMahon steps up when Yankees needed him most
The breakthrough came early. McMahon’s RBI single in the second inning gave New York its first lead. In the fifth, he added a 410-foot solo home run to left-center, his 19th of the season. He added two RBIs and two total runs. It was the kind of power display that made him an All-Star in 2024.
“More just ticked off at myself for not making sure to keep holding onto it,” McMahon said of a later defensive play. “I got cute, I wanted to look at second and see if we could double him off. But right there, just got to make sure I squeeze it and hold on tight. I do think I caught it though.”
For much of his Yankees tenure, McMahon had been mired in inconsistency. In 35 games with New York, he entered Thursday hitting .243 with only 10 extra-base hits and 15 RBIs. His season line of .223/.321/.400 made him an easy target for fans and analysts frustrated by Cashman’s decision.
Sheffield criticism highlights trade pressure
Among the loudest voices was Gary Sheffield Jr., son of former Yankee Gary Sheffield.
He mocked the deal on social media, writing, “Thank god the Yankees didn’t agree to spend three years $48 million on a defensive specialist at third base. Would be terrible if they had taken themselves out of the Bregman sweepstakes with a near-sided move at the deadline!”
The remark struck a nerve. McMahon’s contract runs through 2027 at $16 million annually. That commitment could block a pursuit of free agent Alex Bregman, who is expected to opt out this winter. To pursue Bregman, the Yankees would likely need to move McMahon, which is no simple task given his production.
Sheffield’s comments carried extra weight because his father was a two-time All-Star in pinstripes while Cashman was general manager. That connection made the criticism feel sharper.
The Yankees gave up pitching prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz in the trade. Critics argued that Cashman should have targeted a rental bat instead of a long-term contract. The deal not only carried financial risk but also complicated the future of top prospect George Lombard Jr., who plays third base.
Umpiring controversy adds drama
The game itself had no shortage of controversy. In the sixth inning, umpire Brian Walsh ruled that McMahon failed to secure a soft liner off the bat of Jose Altuve. Replays suggested McMahon caught the ball cleanly before losing it during the transfer.
The call stood and allowed Houston to score, trimming the Yankees’ lead to 4-2. But it ignited the Bombers.
“It was my turn to pick them up,” starting pitcher Carlos Rodón said. “They’ve picked me up all season.”
Boone managed to avoid ejection despite his visible frustration. The night before, both Boone and reliever Devin Williams had been thrown out by Walsh over a string of questionable strike calls.
Trent Grisham supplied the dagger in the eighth with a three-run homer, his 30th of the season and 100th of his career.
Defense remains McMahon’s calling card
Even while his bat has lagged, McMahon’s defense has been as advertised. His steady glove at third allowed Jazz Chisholm Jr. to remain at second, where he is more effective.
“Really gritty, good performance by the guys, especially as they started to come back off of how emotional Wednesday night was and everything and a tough loss,” Boone said after the win.
McMahon’s 410-foot homer in the fifth showed the power that once made him an All-Star. His RBI singles highlighted his ability to contribute in key moments. For a Yankees team pushing for October, nights like this one matter.
Whether Thursday proves to be a true turning point remains unclear. But for one night in Houston, McMahon played like the difference-maker Cashman envisioned. That alone bought both player and general manager a little breathing room as the season heads into its decisive stretch.
The Yankees return to Yankee Stadium on Friday to face the Blue Jays in a crucial three-game set. With the division race tightening, McMahon will need more games like this one if Cashman’s deadline gamble is to pay off.
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