Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon, a trade-deadline acquisition from the Rockies, takes a swing at some pennant race Q&A with Post columnist Steve Serby.

Q: As a human being, tell my readers what Aaron Judge is like.

A: The best way to describe him is, he’s exactly who you would want your son to be. He genuinely cares about his teammates through and through, on and off the field. I’ve been here for two months and I’ve felt that from him. For him to make somebody like me feel like that in that short a time just kind of goes to tell you the kind of guy he is.

Q: Anything specific that he did?

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A: He started inviting me to everything. This team’s really tight. I think the first day or two I was here, they had a Chris Stapleton concert, and he made sure that I felt welcomed and could come if I wanted to. He pulls you in, and it’s a real homey feel with a guy who’s … he’s the King of New York, right? He doesn’t have to do that stuff, but he goes out of his way.

Q: Describe what it was like for you playing third base when he’s hitting.

A: You stand as far back as you can, him and [Giancarlo] Stanton. … There was one time my coach kept calling me in for, like, double-play depth, and I literally looked at him and shook my head and just stayed where I was. They’re forces to be reckoned with, that’s for sure.

Q: Watching from the dugout, what stands out to you about him at the plate?

A: Just how composed he stays, man. He’s getting pitched around more than anybody in the league, and he stays with his approach, and when they finally make that mistake, he’s ready for it, man. It’s the composure, but still aggressive. It’s impressive. It’s really hard to do, especially in this game nowadays.

Q: Any favorite New York City things yet?

A: We go to the [Central] Park a lot. I went to 4 Charles [Prime Rib]. That was incredible. So I’m looking forward to trying some more food out here.

Q: That ticks me off! I can’t get into 4 Charles! How did you get in?

A: Honestly, Sam Judge tightened us up with a reservation.

Q: His wife?

A: Yeah. So my wife [Natalie] and his wife grew up next door to each other from the time they were in diapers. She went to high school with Sam and Aaron.

Q: What did you order?

A: We got the burger and the French dip. Incredible I heard, and it lived up to expectations. … Highly recommend it to the readers.

Q: How hungry are you to win a World Series?

A: Ever since I got here, man, it has been talked about every single day. It is the goal, it’s what’s on everybody’s mind, and it’s made it real easy to fall in line and have that be your daily goal.

Q: If a Yankees fan asked you to explain why this is a World Series championship team, how would you do it?

A: I would just say it’s a complete team, right? We’ve got the starters, we’ve got the bullpen, we’ve got the hitters and we’ve got the defense. It’s about putting it together, there’s a lot of other good teams out there, but I’d put us up against anybody.

Q: Do you welcome the World Series-or-bust expectations?

A: I think you have to. I think if you try to shy away from it, nothing good’s gonna come from that. That’s what this town expects, and I think that’s what this organization expects.

Q: Some of your other teammates, whatever comes to mind: Max Fried.

A: Absolute dawg on the mound. You know he’s giving you everything he’s got up there on the mound, and it makes you just want to lock in that much more on defense for him.

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Q: David Bednar.

A: I call him Big Bed. He’s just an absolute animal on the mound. He’s the nicest guy in the clubhouse throughout the day, and then he gets on the mound. He does this thing — every time I throw him the ball, he frikken snatches it with his glove, and you can just tell, like, he’s gone to that different mindset to close the game out.

Q: Giancarlo Stanton.

A: Big G, man. Coming over here, not knowing him very well, not knowing what to expect, the guy is the ultimate pro, super down-to-earth. He’s extremely thoughtful. I asked him one time he had just faced the guy, I was going up there in a little bit, I was like, “G, what’s he got?” And the way that he worded everything and took his time to explain like to a tee, right? He was talking about angles, he’s like, “Hey, this one’s moving at like a 45-degree angle.” The thoughtfulness and the care for his teammates, it’s so refreshing. They’re larger than life, him and Judge, right? The way that they take their time with their teammates, it’s extremely appreciated.

Q: Anthony Volpe.

A: I love that kid, man. I think he’s extremely talented, loves to play the game and I love how he goes out there every day and competes.

Q: Jazz Chisholm Jr.

A: The talent is through the roof. I love the swag that he plays the game with, but the talent and the plays that he makes, it’s pretty incredible, man, and the guy is capable of so many things in this game.

Q: Carlos Rodón.

A: I think “bulldog” is probably the best way to describe him. He’s so competitive, fiery, another guy that just when you’re playing defense for him, man, you know he’s giving you everything he’s got and you just want to lock in for him.

Q: Cam Schlittler.

A: Another guy with extreme talent levels. He can do some things with a baseball that a lot of people can’t, and I love how he gets when he’s on the mound. He’s a little goofy guy day in and day out. When he gets on that mound, it’s all business.

Q: Will Warren.

A: I love Will, man. Will’s been one of the guys that I’ve gravitated towards since I’ve been here. Real good competitor. Him and Schlittler for young guys, you wouldn’t even expect it, you wouldn’t know that they’re rookies the way that they handle their business and go about their work. But just extreme competitors, man, I feel like from your starting pitchers that’s what you want.

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Q: Aaron Boone.

A: Super calm. Doesn’t let the small things get to him. Kind of Steady Eddie, man. He’s been the same guy every single day that I’ve been here. I showed up and it was kinda during a little rougher stretch and just cool as a cucumber, man. When you have a guy at the head running it like that, it definitely relieves some stress for the players.

Q: Describe your on-field mentality.

A: My on-field mentality, man, is just do whatever it takes to win. I think I show that in my defense. When I’m at the dish, I’m just trying to do whatever the situation asks me to do. Being here in New York, man, I’ve learned in my short time here that winning is about the only thing that matters.

Q: What drives you?

A: I just want to be a good teammate. I want to be there for these guys, I want these guys to know that they can rely on me. There’s something powerful about a group of men, coaches, front office, all pulling in the same direction and all working towards the same thing, and I think at the end of the day, all you want is to be known as a reliable teammate.

Q: Where is your confidence level at the plate right now?

A: It’s coming and going. This game’s hard, man. I’m looking for a little fix, and right after I’m done with this interview I’ll be going to the cage for a little bit working with the coaches. I know I can do some really good things at the plate, and just trying to get that going so I can help the team.

Q: Confidence is such a fragile thing.

A: Yeah, but this game, it takes one swing. It takes one swing to get it back, so I’m just going up there, I’m trying to grind ‘em out, do whatever the situation asks me to do and hopefully get going and try to help during playoffs.

Q: Do you believe in sports psychologists?

A: I do. I think having a strong mind is a huge part of this game. If not, this game will beat you down. So I’m coming in here, I got a good attitude every single day. I’m keeping the main thing the main thing, I’m keeping it about winning.

Q: Have you consulted with one over the years?

A: I’ve read a lot of books. I definitely have worked with guys, we had a great one in Colorado, Andy McKay, he works for the Mariners now. I used him a lot when I was coming up and I still use a lot of the things that he taught me.

Q: What books have you read?

A: My favorite one is one by Ken Ravizza. He was a great mental skills coach. I can’t remember the name of it … His basic principles are control what you can control, make sure you have a good plan and then commit to it and don’t stray from it.

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Q: A Gold Glove?

A: I would love to have one, man. I know I’m a good fielder. I’m gonna carry myself that way. I’m gonna put my work in, and if that falls on my lap, it falls on my lap.

Q: Who are third basemen you’ve admired over the years?

A: I always watched Jeter, but then once I started playing a bit more third base, I got to watch Nolan [Arenado] work for so many years. You can’t help but admire that guy, the way he goes about his craft. Other guys around the league, I love watching Manny Machado, I think everybody does. Matt Chapman for me, though, is one of my favorites to watch, I just think he’s a grinder, kind of a good baseball guy, and I think he plays his ass off.

Q: How did you deal with all the losing you did in Colorado?

A: I tried to keep it really professional, just show up every single day, make sure that I was doing my job, trying to help young guys in any way that I could. I had a lot of experience in struggling, a little bit of success, I’d seen all sides of it, so any way I could try to help those guys kind of speed up the learning curve, I always tried to.

Q: You evolved as a leader there.

A: I never tried to be a leader, I just tried to be somebody that guys can lean on and would feel comfortable coming and talking to, and then I always tried to give ’em my honest answer.

Q: Did you ever call a team meeting?

A: Yeah, a couple of times. Nothing major, I felt like there were a couple of times that somebody needed to say something. I definitely wasn’t afraid to do it. I felt like I was always genuine about it, so I just always tried to speak from the heart.

Q: The 2024 All-Star Game.

A: That was incredible, man. Going there, being around a bunch of great players, just being in that locker room experiencing that weekend, it was a really fun time.

Q: What are you most proud of?

A: I like the way that I handle myself. I hope my teammates would say the same, whether I have a good day or bad day, I’m just trying to make it about winning.

Q: What is the biggest obstacle or adversity you had to overcome?

A: I’ll tell you what, balancing being a dad and playing in the big leagues, it’s not for the weak of heart (smile). Luckily, I’ve got a great wife who handles a lot of it. It’s a different ballgame. It’s fun, it’s worth it, but different ballgame.

Q: How old is Austyn?

A: She’s 1 ¹/₂. And my daughter does not shut up, and I love her to death, but she will gab all day long.

Q: If you have a bad day at the ballpark, you come home and see her, right?

A: Oh yeah. She’s smiling, runs right up to ya. It makes it easier to move on from the bad ones.

Q: Your father coached you growing up.

A: My dad was great, man. We hit off the tee a lot. My dad was a big believer in the Tony Gwynn stuff. He always kept it fun.

Q: Have you been to the Monuments?

A: I went there a long time ago when I was a visiting player. Yeah, took a trip out there. Kind of a surreal place.

Q: You’re a 49ers fan?

A: I didn’t have a team, I started dating my wife when I was 20. Her brother is a diehard Niners fan. They were good at the time, and I just kind of hopped on the bandwagon, and I’ve been on ever since. I’m a big Christian McCaffrey guy. I really like the way he plays and what he’s about. George Kittle, I love the energy he plays with, the way he goes about it.

Q: Any other athletes in other sports?

A: Growing up in Southern California, I watched a lot of Kobe [Bryant] games. It’s hard not to like him.

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Q: You love to cook.

A: More just grilling. There’s something about being around the barbecue, usually have some friends over, crack a couple of beers. I’m a homebody, man, so I enjoy having my friends over and going to their houses.

Q: Yorba Linda?

A: Call it Anaheim. Nobody knows where Yorba Linda is. Anaheim’s the city next to it.

Q: Angels fan?

A: Dude, I grew up a Dodgers fan. My grandpa through work had some access to some tickets, so we would go to those games a lot more.

Q: Any favorite Dodgers?

A: Yeah, Shawn Green was my guy. I just liked his swing and when I was getting into baseball he was hitting a bunch of homers, and that always kind of draws you in.

Q: Describe your dog Radley.

A: She’s hanging out in Colorado. We’ve got a great dogsitter who is really helping us out for these last couple of months.

Q: What kind of dog is Radley?

A: She’s a bernedoodle. She’s 75 percent Bernese mountain dog and 25 percent poodle. We call her house hippo. She’s 105 pounds, and she is a bull in a china shop, she bangs into everything.

Q: You like to juggle.

A: I can juggle. … Media people always ask you what your special talent is, and I don’t want to say golfing is about the only other thing I do besides being a dad and playing baseball, so I always throw in juggling. It’s nothing special.

Q: Three dinner guests?

A: Tiger Woods; Derek Jeter, I had his jersey hanging up on the wall as a kid, like a lot of guys from my generation did; George Washington.

Q: Ever play Bethpage Black?

A: I haven’t, but I would love to.

Q: What’s your handicap?

A: I’m floating around a 2 right now, but I’m anywhere between like a 2, 3 or 4, somewhere in there.

Q: Have you played with any of your new teammates?

A: Yeah, we played in St. Louis on an off day.

Q: Who’d you play with?

A: I played with Trent Grisham, Luke Weaver, and then Volpe and Will Warren were in another group.

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Q: Who won?

A: Weaver won that day. It kills me to say that he beat me ’cause he liked to talk a little crap.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: “Sandlot.”

Q: Favorite singer?

A: Ed Sheeran.

Q: Favorite meal?

A: Steak and potatoes.

Q: Your major league dream began when?

A: In grammar school, when you’re writing what do you want to be when you grow up. I always wrote professional baseball player. I can’t remember what age it started.

Q: Your father used to take you to batting cages?

A: My dad built a net in the garage that would hang on, like, a pulley line and we’d pull it out, put some weights into the net and go take ground balls at the local high school. We did a lot of stuff. He was great about that.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like being a New York Yankee?

A: It’s different, and I say that in a good way. There’s a sense of pride putting on that uniform every day. The expectations from the city, from the fan base, is definitely high, and you feel that as a player. You want to succeed for them, you want to succeed for your teammates. There’s just a different aura about it, and it’s been really enjoyable.

Q: Describe the Yankee Way.

A: When I think about it, obviously I’ve been here for two months, but it’s just a true professionalism about it. The preparation is there, it’s to a tee, the details are extraordinary and they’re extremely important. That’s definitely preached every single day. So to me, it’s just being the ultimate pro, man, and keeping it about winning.

Q: Any champagne in your hair still?

A: I gave myself a good scrub after that, man (smile). It felt good. I went no goggles. It had been a while for me. I was very fortunate my first two years in the big leagues we went to playoffs, but I hadn’t been back since. I wanted to soak that one in, I wanted to feel the burn and really enjoyed it with the boys.

Q: What do you think of the Bleacher Creatures?

A: I love ’em, man. I love how passionate they are. I know they’ve booed me a couple of times, and I’ve got no problem with it, man. They’re in this thing wholeheartedly, and I really appreciate that.

Q: What is it like playing on the big, bright New York stage?

A: That’s not something you can control. I’m not afraid of it, I’m excited to do it. Playing baseball in New York is every kid’s dream.

Q: What is your message to Yankees fans?

A: I’m gonna give you everything I got, man. I might not always succeed, but I’m gonna give you everything I’ve got, and I’m gonna give this team everything I’ve got.

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Q: Do you visualize winning a World Series?

A: I think you have to, man. When I’m laying in bed at night going through my day thinking about baseball, you definitely visualize. … I think everybody does it, right? You can call it daydreaming, you can call it visualizing, but you have to think about it, you gotta play it in your head so that you can get those free mental reps and then go out there and do it.

Q: Tell me what you see.

A: I see the celebration. We know there’s gonna be a lot of hard work before that, and we know that the road’s gonna be tough, nobody’s gonna just hand it to us. But think about the end goal, getting there, reaching that mountaintop, it’s a fun thing to think about.

Q: What is the mindset of this team as the postseason looms?

A: It’s definitely go win a World Series, man.