Yankees Backup Shortstop McMahon Impresses in Spring Training

Ryan McMahon's defensive versatility gives the Yankees roster flexibility ahead of the season.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:59am

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Observations from the Yankees' spring training on Tuesday highlighted the strong play of backup shortstop Ryan McMahon, who has started at the position four times this spring. Manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in McMahon's ability to handle the backup shortstop role, providing the team with more flexibility in constructing their roster. Additionally, reliever Yovanny Cruz continued to impress with his high-velocity sinker, while Jake Bird rebounded from a close call on an ABS challenge. The Yankees also look forward to Gerrit Cole making his spring debut on Wednesday as he continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery.

Why it matters

McMahon's defensive versatility and strong spring performance could be a key factor in the Yankees' roster construction, allowing them to potentially carry fewer infielders and have more flexibility with their bench. The development of young pitchers like Cruz also provides the team with additional bullpen depth options as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The details

Ryan McMahon has started at shortstop four times this spring for the Yankees, and manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in his ability to handle the backup shortstop role, saying "I think he could handle that." This flexibility gives the Yankees more options in how they construct their roster and bench. Reliever Yovanny Cruz also continued to impress, throwing another scoreless inning with two strikeouts and a sinker that averaged 100.3 mph. Meanwhile, Jake Bird had a close call on an ABS challenge but rebounded by striking out the next batter.

  • On Tuesday, the Yankees held spring training observations.
  • On Wednesday, Gerrit Cole will make his spring debut against the Red Sox as he continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery.

The players

Ryan McMahon

A backup shortstop for the Yankees who has impressed the team with his defensive versatility during spring training.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who expressed confidence in McMahon's ability to handle the backup shortstop role.

Yovanny Cruz

A Yankees relief pitcher who continued to impress in spring training with his high-velocity sinker, averaging 100.3 mph.

Jake Bird

A Yankees relief pitcher who had a close call on an ABS challenge but rebounded by striking out the next batter.

Gerrit Cole

The Yankees' starting pitcher who will make his spring debut on Wednesday as he continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery.

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What they’re saying

“I think he could handle that.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager

“If he throws strikes, he can impact things.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager

What’s next

On Wednesday, Gerrit Cole will make his spring debut against the Red Sox as he continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery.

The takeaway

The Yankees' depth and flexibility in the infield and bullpen could be key factors in their roster construction and success this season, with players like Ryan McMahon and Yovanny Cruz emerging as valuable contributors.