The New York Yankees seemingly will want to add a corner infielder ahead of this year's trade deadline, and while Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon seems like a great candidate, it seems that he is likely to stay put with still three more years remaining on his contract after this season.

“While teams like the Yankees would love to get their hands on Colorado third baseman Ryan McMahon, the Rockies have no plans to trade him. McMahon is beloved in the organization and is in the third year of a six-year, $70 million contract,” Bob Nightengale of USA Today said.

The Rockies are not in contention this season, but it seems they want to keep Ryan McMahon for at least this year. As Nightengale said, he is under contract for three more seasons after this one, through the 2027 season at an affordable price. McMahon is having the best season of his career, currently having a 111 wRC+ going along with his good defensive reputation. It makes sense why contending teams who need a corner infielder, like the Yankees, are interested. It might not be possible to get McMahon, however.

Yankees' trade deadline needs

The Yankees have an interesting dilemma when it comes to this year's trade deadline, the weak spots of the roster seem to be first and third base, with some bullpen upgrades necessary as well. At first base, is highly-respected veteran Anthony Rizzo, who has struggled mightily this season. He is a clear weakness on the team right now, with an 83 wRC+ (100 is league average) and bad defensive metrics, resulting in a -0.3 WAR so far this season, according to FanGraphs. A team with world series aspirations can not afford to play someone who is performing like that, no matter how respected Rizzo is in the clubhouse.

There are valid questions regarding DJ LeMahieu's role with the Yankees as well. He recently came back from injury and is hoping to prove that he still is a valuable member of the team. He struggled in the first half of 2023 coming off of a significant foot injury that derailed the second half of his 2022 season, then he had a strong second half in 2023. In spring training, DJ LeMahieu hurt his foot again, so the hope is that does not hamper his performance like it did in 2022 and early on in 2023.

LeMahieu does have the flexibility to play first base as well, so the Yankees could theoretically trade for a third baseman and move LeMahieu from third base to first, taking Rizzo's spot.

The Yankees are not playing Rizzo for Sunday's series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and with a righty in Tyler Glasnow on the mound, that could be a telling move. It will be interesting to see the additions Brian Cashman makes ahead of the trade deadline.