Ryan McMahon successfully completes fielding test in first game at shortstop for the Yankees

Ryan McMahon’s Struggles as a Shortstop

Ryan McMahon kicked off his new role with Second Wednesday during a rather challenging phase. After reassessing his batting stance over the winter and looking for more power in his swing, he found himself tested defensively with the Athletics in the Bronx. This marked his debut as a shortstop in his lengthy major league career of over 1,000 games.

Although McMahon has long been a commendable third baseman, he managed to handle some tricky plays during the Yankees’ 3-2 loss. Still, issues with his batting overshadowed his glove work.

“He was excellent,” said manager Aaron Boone about McMahon’s performance at shortstop. McMahon faced several challenges, particularly in the first inning, where he displayed impressive skill by backhanding a grounder from Brent Rooker to secure an out. “He made a lot of great plays,” Boone noted.

Unfortunately, McMahon’s hitting struggles took the spotlight, as had been emphasized previously this season.

This year, he adopted a different batting stance, but the result was less than favorable; he went 0-for-3 with a walk, two strikeouts, and a double play, leading to some boos from the crowd. Overall, he has only managed two hits in 26 at-bats, which is quite discouraging.

“If I had known what the issue was…I don’t believe it’s a long-term problem, but I am working hard,” McMahon expressed. He added that he played third base alongside Amed Rosario while Jose Caballero took a seat on the bench. “I’m not satisfied, and I think others feel the same. I’ll keep pushing to turn things around.”

Interestingly, his defensive adaptation seemed to flow more smoothly than his offensive one.

After the last season, Yankees’ hitting coaches held a video call with McMahon to review his swing and recommend adjustments, particularly narrowing his stance, as he previously had one of the widest foot spreads among players.

According to Statcast, McMahon has reduced his stance width from 42.7 inches to 37.4 inches and redrafted his position slightly back in the batter’s box.

They hoped these changes would unlock more potential in a player known for his power and patience, who historically has struggled to make consistent contact—last season, his strikeout rate was a troubling 32.3 percent.

So far, in his initial 33 at-bats, McMahon amassed 13 strikeouts. Not exactly what the team was looking for.

“Mac is a solid major league hitter,” Boone pointed out. “It’s just ten games in. He’s hanging in there, but the reality is he’s reached base only four times in the last three games.”

Boone acknowledged the slow starts many players are experiencing, but he remains optimistic about McMahon’s future performance. “I believe he’s going to break out of this.”

Interestingly, some people in the Yankees organization expected McMahon to struggle initially, understanding that making changes can take time. However, McMahon himself was not among those who anticipated a slow beginning.