Early Analysis Highlights Ryan McMahon’s Defensive Skills at Third Base
The Yankees added third baseman Ryan McMahon last July for his glove more than his bat. Early signs of his 2026 start have shown offensive struggles and mixed defensive results. Filmogaz.com examined both the numbers and the film.
Metrics and recent context
Since 2017, McMahon has posted 66 Defensive Runs Saved. He also has 46 Outs Above Average. Only Nolan Arenado and Matt Chapman rank ahead of him in those figures.
He has not won a Gold Glove. Last season he produced 10 DRS and 7 OAA. That performance made him a finalist for the NL Gold Glove despite playing third only half the year.
Through 67 innings to start 2026, his metrics sit at -3 DRS and -2 OAA. Small sample volatility can skew early-season defensive numbers.
Film review: the 14 plays
MLB Film Room listed 14 plays with McMahon as the primary fielder before last night. Those plays included six groundouts, three popups, three singles, one double, and one throwing error.
March 30 throwing error
The lone E5 came versus the Seattle Mariners on March 30. The throw reached first baseman Ben Rice on one hop. The runner was Mitch Garver, a below-average runner in the 16th percentile.
The initial hop to McMahon appeared routine. He took a brief set before throwing. The underthrow allowed the ball to bounce outside the grass.
The very next day McMahon made a similar throw but hit Rice at eye level. That play showed the arm can be accurate.
Bunts and singles
Two of the three singles were slow swinging bunts down the third-base line. One of those plays was nearly impossible to field cleanly.
The other bunt was a play McMahon often makes. It was scored a single, not a throwing error.
The remaining single arose while the infield employed a lefty shift. McMahon was positioned like a shortstop. He could not make the play or reach third base in time.
The result left the pitcher covering the bag and no defender backing the throw. That sequence looked more like an alignment issue than a pure fielding error.
104.1 mph double
A hard-hit ball at 104.1 mph deflected off McMahon on contact. It first struck his glove and then possibly his head.
The deflection allowed the ball to roll into left field for a double by Randy Arozarena. Plays like that can happen to any fielder.
Takeaways
An early analysis highlights the defensive skills Ryan McMahon shows at third base while also noting recent miscues. Small samples can produce misleading DRS and OAA readings.
If negative metrics persist through May and June, a deeper evaluation will be required. For now, concern should focus more on his bat than his glove.
The Yankees currently plan to use McMahon as the left-handed half of a platoon with Amed Rosario. That arrangement gives the club defensive stability while they search for more offense.
