Ryan McMahon Debuts Narrower Batting Stance for 2026 Season

Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon is entering the 2026 season with a significantly narrowed batting stance to address a 35.2 percent strikeout rate from last year. Working closely with hitting coaches James Rowson and Casey Dykes, McMahon has transitioned away from one of the widest stances in baseball to improve contact consistency. Despite a 3-for-23 start to Grapefruit League play, McMahon reports feeling "sturdier" and more natural with the new posture as he prepares for Opening Day.