Yankees Consider Moving Ryan McMahon to Shortstop Amid Anthony Volpe's Absence The New York Yankees are preparing to adjust their infield strategy ahead of the 2024 season, with a focus on giving Ryan McMahon a chance to play shortstop as Anthony Volpe remains sidelined. While McMahon has primarily been used as a third baseman, the team is open to expanding his role, signaling a shift in their approach to roster flexibility. This decision comes as Volpe, the team’s young shortstop, is expected to miss time due to injury, creating an opportunity for McMahon to step into the position. The Yankees’ willingness to adapt their lineup highlights the importance of having players who can contribute in multiple roles. McMahon’s ability to handle shortstop would provide the team with greater versatility, allowing them to manage their bench more effectively. This move could also ease pressure on Volpe, who has faced challenges in securing a consistent role at the hot corner. Manager Aaron Boone has expressed confidence in McMahon’s potential to play shortstop, stating that he would feel comfortable having the player take on the position in a regular season game. This endorsement suggests the Yankees are seriously considering the idea, rather than treating it as a temporary experiment. Boone’s comments indicate a strategic shift in how the team constructs its infield depth, prioritizing adaptability over rigid positional assignments. If the Yankees proceed with this plan, McMahon’s role will become a critical factor in shaping the team’s infield options. His ability to play shortstop would not only provide immediate flexibility but also enhance the team’s long-term depth.#new_york_yankees #major_league_baseball #anthony_volpe #ryan_mcmahon #aaron_boone
Nationals' Trade Strategy and CJ Abrams' Potential Move to Yankees Washington Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni has demonstrated a willingness to make strategic trades aimed at long-term franchise improvement during his first offseason in charge. His approach has involved acquiring high-upside prospects while parting with projected contributors. For instance, Toboni sent projected closer Jose A. Ferrer to secure star catching prospect Harry Ford, traded high-floor pitcher Jake Bennett for high-upside prospect Luis Perales, and dispatched MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers in exchange for five top-30 prospects, significantly bolstering the Nationals' farm system. Despite these moves, Toboni has avoided unnecessary trades, declining a reported strong offer from the San Francisco Giants for shortstop CJ Abrams. After months of speculation, Abrams is expected to remain with the Nationals for the 2025 season. However, as the team continues its rebuild, Abrams remains a key trade asset. A recent mock trade by Ryan Shea of On SI suggests the Nationals could send Abrams to the New York Yankees in exchange for big league shortstop Anthony Volpe and top-10 prospects Spencer Jones and Chase Hampton. Shea argued that acquiring Volpe would provide the Nationals with an MLB-ready infielder capable of contributing immediately, while Jones and Hampton offer long-term upside. Jones, a 24-year-old outfielder, had a standout 2025 season with 35 home runs across Double-A and Triple-A, a .274/.362/.571 slash line, and 80 RBIs. However, his high strikeout rate—35% of plate appearances with 42% swinging strikeouts—raises concerns about his sustainability. Similarly, Hampton, a 25-year-old pitcher, showed promise with a 3.#new_york_yankees #spencer_jones #paul_toboni #cj_abrams #anthony_volpe
