Aaron Boone Believes Yankees' Defense Could Become a 'Strength' Following Ryan McMahon Trade

 Aaron Boone Believes Yankees' Defense Could Become a 'Strength' Following Ryan McMahon Trade

Yankees Look to Shore Up Defense with Ryan McMahon Trade

Just two days after manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the Yankees needed to tighten up their defense, the team made a move to address the issue—acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies in a trade finalized Friday.

McMahon, known for his defensive prowess, steps into a position that has lacked consistency this season. While the addition helps solidify the hot corner, the Yankees still need sharper play up the middle, particularly from shortstop Anthony Volpe. Entering Friday’s series opener against the Phillies, Volpe was tied for the most errors at his position in the majors with 13.

“I expect, and it needs to be, one of our strengths,” Boone said pregame. “Now bringing in a McMahon, and with Anthony, we need them to play the way they’re capable of playing and how we expect them to play. And if they do, that becomes a strength, and we need that to happen.”

The move comes on the heels of a rough defensive series in Toronto, where the Yankees committed four errors in Wednesday’s loss to the Blue Jays. The team has made 52 errors this season—ninth-most in Major League Baseball heading into the weekend.

Boone acknowledged the recent struggles but expressed confidence in the group.

“Look, I think you go around the diamond with us, I think we have a number of really good defenders,” he said. “Obviously, we’re coming off a series where we did not play well. Our last game was not good at all, probably cost us the game. But it’s important to ask: what should happen moving forward? It’s something we work very hard on. There’s no reason we can’t be a really good defensive club.”

Left fielder Jasson Domínguez also contributed to the recent defensive miscues, including an error Wednesday and a misjudged line drive against the Mets. Still, Boone remains optimistic about the young outfielder's progress.

“I feel like he’s come a long way,” Boone said. “Yes, he’s made a couple mistakes—Toronto, the Mets—but he’s also done a lot of good things out there. He’s working hard, and I believe once he gains more experience, he’ll be very good defensively. There are bumps in the road, but he’s improving.”

With McMahon now in the fold, the Yankees are hoping this defensive upgrade helps them clean things up and turn a weakness into a strength in the crucial stretch ahead.