Yankees Coaches Struggle to Fix Ryan McMahon's Swing

The star hitter's disconnected upper and lower body mechanics have led to a dismal start to the season.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:40pm

A cubist, geometric deconstruction of a baseball player's swing, with sharp planes of navy blue, white, and metallic gray representing the disconnected upper and lower body movements.The Yankees' coaching staff struggles to reconnect the fractured swing mechanics of star hitter Ryan McMahon.NYC Today

Ryan McMahon, the New York Yankees star hitter, is off to a rough start this season, with a 35.2% whiff rate and an 0-for-22 stretch that has the team's coaching staff puzzled. The issue appears to be a timing and mechanics problem, with McMahon's upper and lower body not working in sync, leading to late swings and a lot of empty cuts. The Yankees have three hitting coaches, but they've been unable to diagnose and fix the problem so far this season.

Why it matters

McMahon is a key part of the Yankees' lineup, and his struggles could have a major impact on the team's performance if they can't get him back on track. The Yankees have high expectations and significant resources, so fans are growing frustrated that the coaching staff hasn't been able to solve this issue yet.

The details

McMahon's swing is described as disconnected, with his upper body clocking in early and his lower body clocking in late. This leads to a 'wet noodle' swing that is all arms and no power transfer from his legs. The result has been a high whiff rate, late swings on fastballs, and getting out in front of off-speed pitches. The Yankees have three hitting coaches - James Rowson, Casey Dykes, and Jake Hirst - who should have the data and expertise to diagnose and fix the problem, but so far they haven't been able to.

  • McMahon had a 35.2% whiff rate in 2025 that has carried over into 2026.
  • McMahon started the 2026 season with a single in his first at-bat, but then went 0-for-22.
  • It's been months since the Yankees have seen these issues with McMahon's swing.

The players

Ryan McMahon

A star hitter for the New York Yankees who is currently struggling with a disconnected swing and poor timing at the plate.

James Rowson

One of the New York Yankees' three hitting coaches who has been unable to fix McMahon's swing issues so far this season.

Casey Dykes

One of the New York Yankees' three hitting coaches who has been unable to fix McMahon's swing issues so far this season.

Jake Hirst

One of the New York Yankees' three hitting coaches who has been unable to fix McMahon's swing issues so far this season.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees who relies heavily on data provided by the team's coaching staff.

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