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Yankees predicted to sign 39-HR Triple Crown winner, part ways with disappointing Ryan McMahon
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- Yankees predicted to sign 39-HR Triple Crown winner, part ways with disappointing Ryan McMahon
Yankees predicted to sign 39-HR Triple Crown winner, part ways with disappointing Ryan McMahon originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The New York Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs in a rather disappointing fashion for the second year in a row, which means this offseason is as important as ever. The Yankees have the talent; they are just missing a few of the right pieces.
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Third base has been a nightmare situation for New York. There may not be a bigger disappointment than Ryan McMahon.
"It wasn't long ago that they had Jazz Chisholm Jr. learn the position on the fly when they acquired him at the 2024 trade deadline. And since then, they've acquired Ryan McMahon, Amed Rosario and Jose Caballero over the years to help fill the hot corner, without any of them able to capture it. McMahon has been the biggest disappointment. While his defense has still been above-average, his offensive struggles have helped create the black hole in the bottom part of the Yankees' lineup," SNY's Phillip Martinez wrote.
This offseason, the Yankees have to find a way to acquire a very good third baseman.
"This is where Cashman needs to get creative and swing a surprise blockbuster deal for a third baseman, much like he did with Donaldson (even if that failed to work out). Right now, the Yankees' best options at third are Jose Caballero, who didn't see good results there in 2026, and Anthony Volpe, who is still learning the position and doesn't have the ideal arm strength to handle it," SI's Joe Najarian wrote.
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With the need for a third baseman, SI's Jonna Perlinger believes New York should sign Teruaki Sato.
"If the Yankees want a significant offensive upgrade this offseason, Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato might be one of their most intriguing options. The 27-year-old is coming off a remarkable 2026 campaign with the Hanshin Tigers, capturing the Central League Triple Crown after batting .306 with 39 home runs and 106 RBIs. The Yankees acquired Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies in 2025, and signing Sato to play third base would likely require New York to explore trading McMahon, particularly given the club's existing infield uncertainty," Perlinger said.
Sato would immediately provide an offensive upgrade at third base after winning the Triple Crown. The 27-year-old is an absolute beast at the plate, but he does have a high swing-and-miss rate, which is a concern.
However, if he can continue hitting for power, he could have a lot of fun with the short porches at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees know they are in desperate need of an upgrade, and Sato could give them the perfect opportunity to bring in a Japanese superstar.
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