Yankees' Ryan McMahon Struggles in Shortstop Experiment

Commits multiple errors in spring training as team tries new position for third baseman

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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In the Yankees' spring training game against the Twins on March 5, 2026, third baseman Ryan McMahon continued to struggle in his experiment playing shortstop. McMahon committed two errors in the field, including a wild throw after sliding to field a ball in the hole. The Yankees are trying out McMahon at shortstop this spring, but the early returns have not been promising.

Why it matters

The Yankees are looking to find a long-term solution at shortstop after Gleyber Torres was traded in the offseason. McMahon, a natural third baseman, is being evaluated at the position, but his defensive struggles so far raise questions about whether he can handle the demands of playing shortstop at the major league level.

The details

In the game against the Twins, McMahon committed an error on a fairly routine grounder, then later slid to field a ball in the hole but made a wild throw to first base. He did make one impressive defensive play, but overall his performance has been shaky as he tries to transition to shortstop.

  • On March 5, 2026, McMahon committed two errors while playing shortstop for the Yankees in a spring training game against the Twins.

The players

Ryan McMahon

The Yankees' starting third baseman who is being evaluated at shortstop this spring training as the team looks to fill that position.

Gleyber Torres

The Yankees' former starting shortstop who was traded in the offseason, leaving the team in need of a new long-term solution at the position.

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What’s next

The Yankees will continue to evaluate McMahon at shortstop in upcoming spring training games as they look to determine if he can handle the position at the major league level.

The takeaway

The early struggles of Ryan McMahon at shortstop in spring training raise doubts about whether the Yankees' experiment of converting their third baseman to that position will be successful. The team still has work to do to find a long-term solution at a key defensive position.