On Monday, the Atlanta Braves got the day off following a sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park.
They will now open up a series with the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on Tuesday night.
Austin Riley Struggling
GettyAustin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after an RBI double during the fifth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park on June 5, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
While the Braves have been the best team in baseball this year, one of their most important players (Austin Riley) has struggled.
The two-time MLB All-Star is currently batting .208 with 50 hits, eight home runs, 34 RBI’s, 31 runs, four stolen bases (and 76 strikeouts) in 66 games.
In 2022 and 2023, Riley was among the best third basemen in baseball, hitting 75 total home runs in those two seasons.
GettyAustin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves bats in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Truist Park on April 11, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Riley currently remains under contract until the 2032 season at $22 million per year.
At the time, he looked like a steal at that price, but now it could cause the Braves problems down the road (if his production doesn’t improve).
680 The Fan wrote (on Monday): “Atlanta stayed patient with Ozuna. Stayed patient with Michael Harris. They’re staying patient with Austin Riley too. There’s a pattern here.”
Third Base Swap With Yankees?
GettyRyan McMahon #19 of the New York Yankees runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on June 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.
The New York Yankees have also had issues at third base with Ryan McMahon, who is batting just .211 with 34 hits, seven home runs, 21 RBI’s, 17 runs and three stolen bases in 59 games.
That said, the 2024 All-Star is known for his strong fielding.
It’s safe to say the Yankees and Braves should consider a swap of the struggling veterans.
Why For The Braves?
GettyAustin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 21, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
The Braves could upgrade their defense, while getting a player who is struggling at the plate (just like Riley right now).
McMahon also only has one more year left on his contract at $16 million for the 2027 season.
If the Braves were willing to eat some of Riley’s salary to entice the Yankees, they would still be able to save a significant amount of money (while potentially improving the roster).
Why For The Yankees?
GettyRyan McMahon #19 of the New York Yankees runs during game two of the American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on October 1, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
Just a few seasons ago, trading away Riley would have seemed like an outlandish idea for the Braves.
He has a much higher ceiling than McMahon (and is two years younger).
The Yankees have the deeper pockets, so taking the financial risk on Riley returning to All-Star form might be worth the risk.
Both players could benefit from a change of scenery right now.
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