NEW YORK — The New York Yankees’ 2025 season didn’t end with a championship, but two of their most dependable defenders have earned recognition for excellence. Third baseman Ryan McMahon and left-handed pitcher Max Fried were named among the finalists for the 2025 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, spotlighting the Yankees’ renewed dedication to defense.
McMahon received his fifth consecutive nomination and now stands on the verge of capturing his first career Gold Glove. The 30-year-old infielder came close several times while with the Colorado Rockies but never claimed the trophy. Fried, meanwhile, seeks his fourth Gold Glove after winning three straight from 2020 through 2022 with the Atlanta Braves.
McMahon’s defensive excellence shines in pinstripes
The Yankees acquired McMahon from Colorado at the trade deadline in July, filling a glaring defensive void at third base after Oswaldo Cabrera’s season-ending ankle injury in May. The move paid immediate dividends.
McMahon instantly stabilized the Yankees’ infield. According to Baseball Savant, his 6 Outs Above Average ranked in the 92nd percentile among all third basemen, while his fielding run value of 7 placed him in the 86th percentile. His consistency quickly made him a fan favorite in the Bronx.
“Congratulations to our @RawlingsSports Gold Glove finalists: Ryan McMahon & Max Fried,” the Yankees posted on X, formerly Twitter.
In 54 regular-season games with New York, McMahon committed just four errors. His smooth glove and lightning reflexes turned line drives into outs with ease. The Yankees traded pitching prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz to acquire him, and his elite defense justified the cost.
McMahon is competing against Matt Shaw of the Chicago Cubs and Ke’Bryan Hayes of the Cincinnati Reds for the National League’s third base Gold Glove. Because he spent most of the season with Colorado, his defensive work in the NL will count toward this year’s voting.
Fried brings championship pedigree
Max Fried joined the Yankees with a reputation for excellence. The southpaw signed an eight-year, $218 million contract last December — the richest ever for a left-handed pitcher — and immediately lived up to expectations.
Fried’s defense stood out just as much as his pitching. He led all major league pitchers with 39 assists and 10 defensive runs saved, showcasing elite instincts and mobility off the mound. He also tied a career best with seven pickoffs, neutralizing base runners with his quick delivery and footwork.
The 31-year-old finished the regular season with a 2.86 ERA and 19 wins across 32 starts. His 1.10 WHIP ranked among the league’s best, but it was his athleticism and defensive awareness that impressed most observers.
Fried’s range and precision have long been considered among baseball’s best. He charged bunts, covered first base aggressively, and fielded his position with the confidence of an infielder.
While he committed four errors — a career high — his 2025 season still produced personal bests with 39 putouts and elite defensive metrics. His range factor climbed to 2.26, paired with a .925 fielding percentage.
Former Yankees compete for same honor
Fried’s path to another Gold Glove isn’t without competition. Jacob deGrom of the Detroit Tigers and Luis Severino of the Oakland Athletics join him as finalists for the American League pitcher Gold Glove.
Both have Yankees connections. DeGrom, healthy for the first time since 2019, turned in a standout season with a 2.97 ERA over 172.2 innings while committing no errors. Severino, who spent years in pinstripes before stints with the Mets and A’s, also enjoyed a strong campaign, avoiding errors in 162.2 innings.
Fried’s previous Gold Glove dominance came during his years in Atlanta, when he won three straight from 2020 to 2022. Across that stretch, he committed just three total errors and maintained a fielding percentage above .941 each season. His defensive prowess in 2021 played a major role in helping the Braves secure their first World Series title since 1995 — experience that now benefits the Yankees.
McMahon ends Yankees’ defensive musical chair
The Yankees spent the 2025 offseason focused on defense, and the results are beginning to show. Fried’s record-breaking signing signaled the front office’s determination to improve run prevention. McMahon’s midseason addition reinforced that plan.
Before McMahon’s arrival, the Yankees struggled to find stability at third base. They cycled through Oswald Peraza, Jorbit Vivas, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. before finally settling on McMahon, whose glove transformed the position.
Fried’s presence elevated the defense from the mound outward. His ability to field his position gave catchers more freedom to focus on pitch framing and game calling. Together, the two players brought discipline and consistency to a team that had long relied on offensive power over defensive fundamentals.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman emphasized defensive improvement during roster construction and trade decisions. The Gold Glove nominations for both McMahon and Fried serve as validation of that strategy.
Award implications run deep
McMahon’s potential first Gold Glove would be a career-defining moment. It would validate his five consecutive finalist selections and reward years of defensive excellence. His performance also justifies the Yankees’ decision to acquire him for his glove rather than his bat.
Offensively, McMahon faced skepticism about leaving Coors Field for Yankee Stadium. But his elite glove more than made up for any drop in offensive numbers. His steady defense provided championship-level reliability at the hot corner.
Fried, meanwhile, could join rare company with his fourth Gold Glove. Only legends Greg Maddux (18), Jim Kaat (16), and Bob Gibson (9) have won more among pitchers. Fried’s consistency in both pitching and fielding continues to make him one of the most complete players in baseball.
The 2025 Rawlings Gold Glove winners will be announced on November 2 on ESPN, following a selection process that combines voting from managers and coaches with the SABR Defensive Index.
Whether they bring home the hardware or not, McMahon and Fried have already made their mark. Their defense transformed the Yankees into one of the most improved teams in run prevention — a key ingredient for the franchise’s championship aspirations.
Their nominations not only honor individual achievement but also highlight how much the Yankees’ identity has shifted toward elite defense. For the first time in years, the Bronx Bombers are winning praise not just for their bats but for their gloves.
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