If there’s something that has stung the Yankees the most this season, it’s their dwindling infield. Yes, they are topping the AL East, but their success is largely thanks to their starting rotation, Aaron Judge’s MVP-esque figures, and a handful of key contributors stepping up in big moments. However, beneath the surface lies a vulnerable spot: the infield. Particularly the third base.

With Jazz Chisholm Jr. rotating between second and third base and no clear-cut answer for the hot corner, the Yankees have lacked consistency and stability. It has been a patchwork, but that might be about to change now. If speculations are true, the Yankees may have finally found their staple guy for the hot corner.

According to New York Posts’s baseball columnist Jon Heyman, the Pinstripes are searching a new third baseman and the first name on their radar is Ryan McMahon of Colorado Rockies.

But why are the Yankees behind McMahon?

Well, for McMahon, the season began on a tough note. By April, he was batting just .147 with a .273 OBP and a.235 slugging. But things started to turn around after he homered on May 1, and since then, he’s looked in prime form. But there’s more with McMahon that has kept the Yankees interested. Even when he’s not hitting, he remains a standout on defense.

As per Statcast, McMahon has scored 3 in both Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average so far in 2025. So, he’s still clearly a plus defender at third base and that’s the only thing the Yankees need currently.

Moreover, McMahon’s contract is another point in his favor. Currently, he’s making $12 million this year, with $16 million due in both 2026 and 2027. That’s a good deal for a quality third baseman with power and strong defense.

But why such a rush when the Yanks got Jazz Chisholm at the third?

“Everybody knows I’m a second baseman. Of course, I want to play second base, but whatever it takes to help the team win. If that’s what the team chooses, that’s what I gotta do. I don’t write the lineups. You feel me?” Chisholm said following the team’s 5-12 loss to the Blue Jays.

In that game, Chisholm’s vulnerability at third got exposed in the fourth inning when he missed completing a ball to third for an out. So, quite clearly, a staple and reliable defensive name is the need of the hour for the Bombers.

The Yankees’ 3B woes are far from over

When a team is topping the division, the entire lineup is expected to work fine, but that’s not the case with the Yankees. They are yet to find a permanent solution or the hot corner. It’s not that they haven’t got anyone to lead the 3B. They have placed a string of players at the hot corner this season, but all in vain.

Can they consider DJ LeMahieu? Well, he just isn’t getting it done at the plate anymore. Currently, he’s hitting .254 with only 2 HRs. So, he has offered little to no spark offensively. Moreover, at 36 years old, his best days are behind him, and it’s time for the Yankees to walk into the future.

The next? Oswald Peraza. If you remember, he was once viewed as the team’s future at shortstop or third base. But so far, he’s looked overwhelmed. Currently, he’s batting just .153 with 3 HRs, and one of the biggest concerns is his inability to hit to all fields. He’s pulling everything, which doesn’t work against big league pitching.

Furthermore, in search of some left-handed offense, the Yankees have turned more to Jorbit Vivas, but that move hasn’t worked out either. Vivas is slashing just .156 and hasn’t shown much pop or consistency. While he is known for his plate discipline, that alone doesn’t scare pitchers.

So, right now, it’s all patchwork for the Yankees, and with Chisholm technically a second baseman, time is ticking for them to get a quality defensive batter at third.