Even with the New York Yankees off to a strong 8-3 start in the 2026 MLB season, Ryan McMahon is already under the microscope after a slow start that has forced manager Aaron Boone to publicly defend his third baseman.
Aaron Boone defends Ryan McMahon
“I mean, Mac’s a good Major League hitter. It’s 10 games in, okay? He’s scuffling right now, but the reality is, the last 3 games, he’s been on base 4 times too with walks and hits and big at-bats,” Boone told the New York Daily News.
“We want him to improve even who he’s been obviously in his career, and he’s off to a slow start right now, but a number of our guys are as well. He’ll get it rolling and trust that he will, especially against some of these good right-handed pitchers.”
Fans are hoping Boone doesn’t fall into the same pattern he showed with Anthony Volpe last season – consistently backing a struggling player to the point where it becomes a concern for the Yankees lineup.
Through his first 10 games, Ryan McMahon stats show a .077 batting average with a concerning .350 OPS. Those numbers have sparked questions about his role as the Yankees search for more offensive consistency.
On Tuesday night against the Oakland Athletics, Boone gave Amed Rosario the start at third base – and the move paid off immediately. Rosario delivered two home runs, including the go-ahead shot in a 5-3 Yankees win.
Despite the clear difference in production, Aaron Boone continues to stand firmly behind the 31-year-old McMahon, emphasizing the importance of patience and long-term confidence. Inside the clubhouse, the early slump is being viewed as a normal part of the MLB season, not a cause for alarm.
Read the full article here
