Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Glove Of a Fit

Episode Details:

• Title: Hour 3: Glove Of a Fit
• Hosts: Don Hahn, Jordan Rosenberg
• Release Date: July 25, 2025
• Description: Hosts Don Hahn, a New York and New Jersey ESPN legend, and Jordan Rosenberg, a seasoned sportswriter and broadcaster, delve into the latest in New York sports, offering insights, analyses, and spirited discussions on current events.

1. Yankees Trade for Ryan McMahon

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the New York Yankees' recent acquisition of Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies. Jordan Rosenberg introduces the topic by highlighting the trade's specifics:

Jordan Rosenberg [02:35]: "They're trying to find a spot for this guy... he may be their third baseman for a while here."

Don Hahn responds by evaluating McMahon's performance and fit within the Yankees' strategy:

Don Hahn [02:45]: "You don't lose anything defensively and you add a little bit more pop because he can hit some home runs... he's on contract through 2027."

Key Points:

• Performance Metrics: McMahon boasts a .217 batting average with 16 home runs, 11 of which were hit while with Colorado. Since May 1st, his stats have improved to a .246 average, .332 on-base percentage, and an .804 OPS.
• Defensive Addition: As a left-handed third baseman with defensive prowess, McMahon enhances the Yankees' infield without compromising their existing defense.
• Future Prospects: McMahon's contract secures his presence on the team until 2027, providing stability at third base.

2. Spencer Jones: A Promising Prospect or a Conundrum?

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Spencer Jones, a 24-year-old outfielder in the Yankees' system who has been performing exceptionally in Triple-A but faces a lack of opportunities in the major leagues.

Jordan Rosenberg [05:45]: "He's got 11 homers in July alone."

Don Hahn [07:49]: "You could have made the case the Mets were a better baseball team by the end of last year than the Yankees."

Challenges Addressed:

• Performance vs. Opportunity: Despite Jones hitting .314 with a .411 on-base percentage and 29 home runs in Triple-A, the Yankees struggle to find a suitable position for him amidst their current roster.
• Positional Constraints: With established players like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton occupying key outfield and first base positions, integrating Jones into the team poses logistical challenges.
• Future with the Team: Hahn speculates that Jones may become a full-time player next year, depending on the return of other players like Bellinger and the overall team strategy.

3. Mets vs. Yankees: Comparing Playoff Prospects

The hosts transition to comparing the New York Mets and Yankees, debating which team stands a better chance in the upcoming postseason.

Jordan Rosenberg [10:24]: "I feel way better about where the New York Mets are and I know they play in a harder division."

Don Hahn [10:56]: "I'd have to say the Mets are a better baseball team."

Insights:

• Division Strength: The Mets face a tougher division in the National League East, which Rosenberg believes enhances their competitive edge.
• Team Performance: Despite both teams making recent trades, Hahn acknowledges that the Mets currently exhibit stronger overall performance compared to the Yankees.
• Playoff Scenarios: With the Yankees trailing the Blue Jays and facing stiff competition from teams like the Mariners, Red Sox, and Rays, Hahn emphasizes the uncertain path to the playoffs for both teams.

4. Listener Insights and Opinions

Throughout the episode, listeners contribute their perspectives on the discussed topics, providing a broader view of fan sentiments.

• Listener Johnny [17:03]: Expresses frustration over the Yankees' inability to find a spot for Spencer Jones despite his impressive Triple-A performance.

• Listener Will [24:49]: Congratulates the Yankees on acquiring Ryan McMahon but criticizes the Mets' potential trade considerations, questioning the value of Spencer Jones.

• Listener Ruben [34:57]: Commends the Yankees for not giving up high-value prospects in recent trades and stresses the importance of keeping Spencer Jones within the organization.

Notable Listener Quotes:

Johnny [17:03]: "I want Jones up here as soon as possible... What are you gonna do with him?"

Will [24:49]: "Spencer Jones is not a guy that you give up right now... He's a gazelle in the outfield."

Ruben [34:57]: "Spencer Jones... he's plus everywhere except batting average. He's a gazelle in the outfield."

5. Strategic Implications and Future Moves

Don Hahn and Jordan Rosenberg explore potential future moves for both teams, considering the strengths and weaknesses highlighted throughout their discussions.

Don Hahn [30:58]: "You want to find out about that before the 31st... address it, because I'm with you."

Jordan Rosenberg [45:20]: "They're holding on to the prospects. They're not giving up Jones, not giving up Lamar Jr."

Considerations:

• Bullpen Depth: Both teams need to bolster their bullpens to prepare for the postseason, with the Mets focusing on adding left-handed arms and the Yankees contemplating additional starting pitchers.
• Prospect Utilization: The Yankees face a dilemma in integrating promising prospects like Spencer Jones without disrupting their current roster balance.
• Trade Decisions: The possibility of trading existing players like Trent Grisham for starting pitchers remains a topic of speculation, though both hosts express skepticism about the feasibility and value of such trades.

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts emphasize the complexity of team management in the final stretch of the season. Balancing current performance with future potential remains a tightrope walk for both the Yankees and Mets.

Don Hahn [37:50]: "You can't keep them all because there's got to be some place for them to play."

Jordan Rosenberg [38:10]: "If you're going to hit a home run every other day in Triple A, you got it. You're going to have to find the space to at least see what this guy's got, at the major league level."

Closing Remarks:

• Team Dynamics: Effective roster management is crucial for maximizing both immediate performance and long-term potential.
• Fan Expectations: Fans are eagerly watching how their teams navigate trades, player development, and positional assignments as the postseason approaches.
• Looking Ahead: Both teams must make strategic decisions before the July 31st deadline to bolster their chances of making a significant playoff run.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Don Hahn [02:45]: "You don't lose anything defensively and you add a little bit more pop because he can hit some home runs..."
• Jordan Rosenberg [05:45]: "He's got 11 homers in July alone."
• Jordan Rosenberg [10:24]: "I feel way better about where the New York Mets are and I know they play in a harder division."
• Don Hahn [37:50]: "You can't keep them all because there's got to be some place for them to play."
• Jordan Rosenberg [38:10]: "If you're going to hit a home run every other day in Triple A, you got it. You're going to have to find the space to at least see what this guy's got, at the major league level."

This episode provides a comprehensive look into the strategic maneuvers of the Yankees and Mets as they vie for playoff positions. Through expert analysis and passionate listener interactions, Don Hahn and Jordan Rosenberg offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of New York baseball.