On July 25, it seemed like the New York Yankees were ready to ride out the trade deadline. They snagged Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for two promising minor league arms: Josh Grosz and Griffin Herring, and seemed settled. McMahon arrives as a veteran third baseman with a two-year contract extension and annual salary of around $16 million, offering the kind of stability and defensive reliability the Yankees have sorely lacked at the hot corner. And now they have their sights on a player that their crosstown rivals have been circling for weeks.

Because McMahon isn’t a flash trade; he’s a calculated acquisition. Though Eugenio Suárez emerged as the Yankees’ top trade target at third base, a combination of cost, walk-year concerns, and escalating bidding reportedly shifted focus toward McMahon as a more balanced long-term choice. Scouts and Yankees management believe that McMahon’s dependable glove might even help mask Anthony Volpe’s ongoing defensive struggles, as manager Aaron Boone emphasized his hope that the infield could become a strength after the trade. 

While the infielder brings pop and flexibility, he is also known for leading the NL in errors at multiple positions and racking up strikeouts. McMahon has made six errors at third base this year, which is a top-10 mark for the position. Last season, he made 15 errors, which is some cause for concern. Inserting him into the Yankees’ already error-prone infield—one that recently committed four errors in a single game against the American East-leading Toronto Blue Jays—raises eyebrows. Still, the front office took a calculated gamble. But as it turns out, McMahon might’ve just been the opening act. 

Because just when you thought that the Yankees were done wheeling with the McMahon deal (not related to WWE McMahon if you wondered), now news is coming that they want Will Castro, the Twins’ super utility man! Castro is a 2023 All-Star and brings a level of versatility that front offices just drool over. In 81 games this season, he is hitting .259 with a .765 OPS, 10 homers, and 8 stolen bases. Plus, it’s not just his bat, because he has logged second, short, third, and all outfield positions.

He is a plug-and-play dream for many teams. The New York Mets need a reliable center fielder and bullpen depth, and hence, Castro was marked in red for them. Also, it is beneficial that Castro’s salary is publicly disclosed, at $6.5 million. However, with the New York Yankees in the picture, things just got a lot more complicated in Queens.

Could this be the start of another Big Apple bidding war? The Yankees are pushing hard to make up ground, so don’t be surprised if they indeed make the checkmate here. But it seems like not just players; the pinstripes are even taking strategies from their neighbors.

New York Yankees urged to copy Mets’ bold move amid Volpe’s struggles

It looks like the Yankees are not just watching their neighbors trade targets but are also taking other notes. Well, the Mets sent Francisco Alvarez down to Triple-A and saw instant results, right? So now there is talk that the Yankees could do the same, and with none other than Anthony Volpe.

Three-time manager of the year Joe Maddon recently mentioned that Volpe’s skid requires a mental reset. And maybe a trip back to the minors would do the trick. He shared on MLB Network, “Listen, I’m a Volpe fan, I am, but I think there has to be some consideration and thought of talking about him possibly going back down just like they did with [Francisco] Alvarez with the Mets. He’s going to be a very good player for years to come, but in the meantime, his confidence, I think for a reason, is at an all-time low. I would look for an available veteran shortstop, somebody who can catch the ball. I would just do that temporarily, send him down, and let him get straightened out a bit. He’s going to come back very soon.”

Now Volpe’s 2023 Gold Glove shine has dimmed rather fast, and he is tied for the MLB lead in errors, and his defensive numbers have gone down, too. Last season, he had 14 Outs Above Average, and this year it’s dipped to -4. Even his bat has not caught fire this time, and since June 1, he is slashing just .182/.241/.377. And he managed to drag down a modest career OPS of .669.

Now, the New York Yankees don’t have a ready-made replacement for Volpe, but given that the players’ confidence may have hit rock bottom, it’s simply risky. The Mets saw Alvarez return with fire and help the team to a sweep. If the Yankees could follow, then maybe Volpe can find his groove before the season slips away.