Since the 8-37 Rockies are already well out of playoff contention, teams have started to scope out Colorado’s roster as a possible source of help at the trade deadline. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale writes that the Cubs and Dodgers are two of multiple teams that “are closely monitoring” third baseman Ryan McMahon as a potential trade candidate.
This is far from the first time that McMahon’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, as the Rockies’ lack of success over the last several seasons have brought pretty much experienced name on the roster onto the radar as a possible trade chip. As much as the Rox have struggled, however, the team has generally been pretty quiet on the trade front. Both ownership and the front office are seemingly resistant to a full rebuild, and the Rockies have often (curiously) opted against even dealing some players heading towards free agency. Even in the high-profile cases of Trevor Story and Jon Gray, both players were retained beyond the deadline, and Colorado was left with nothing when both players signed elsewhere in free agency.
As it relates to McMahon specifically, MLBTR’s Anthony Franco explored the infielder’s situation in a subscriber-only piece earlier this month, noting that McMahon is reportedly a particular favorite of Rockies owner Dick Monfort. The team also showed its faith in McMahon back in March 2022 when he was locked up on a six-year, $70MM contract extension covering the 2022-27 seasons. McMahon can opt out of the final year of that contract if he finishes in the top five of NL MVP voting this season, though that appears to be a moot point since McMahon is hitting only .209/.330/.379 (for an 89 wRC+) through 182 plate appearances in 2025.
The chief point of Anthony’s post was that the Rockies missed their ideal window for trading McMahon, as the team could’ve saved some money and gotten some decent young talent if the third baseman had been dealt before the All-Star break. Instead, there was no suggestion that Colorado was even considering moving McMahon, and any chance of a deal then further dried up after McMahon’s production cratered in the second half.
His struggles continued through the first month of this season, but McMahon has quietly been on fire in May, hitting .333/.443/.667 over 61 PA. It seems like McMahon’s extended slump may finally be over, and through all of his ups and downs at the plate, he has still continued to deliver elite glovework at third base.
As bad as the Rockies have been in recent years, their dismal play in 2025 is a new low, as the team is on pace to challenge the 2024 White Sox as the worst team in modern baseball history. Against this backdrop, the Rox already acted in uncharacteristic fashion by firing manager Bud Black last week, and Monfort perhaps hinted at some more changes coming. As part of the club’s official statement on Black’s dismissal, Monfort said “We will use the remainder of 2025 to improve where we can on the field and to evaluate all areas of our operation so we can properly turn the page into the next chapter of Rockies Baseball.”
It remains to be seen if this evaluation will lead to a rebuild or a deadline fire sale, and if Monfort’s perspective has finally shifted since his team is on course for a particularly embarrassing season. If so, moving McMahon would be a logical move, and any number of rival clubs could be interested in seeing what the third baseman can do with a full change of scenery.
For the Cubs, the need is obvious. Chicago has gotten very little out of a revolving door of third basemen that has included the likes of top prospect Matt Shaw, Jon Berti, Nicky Lopez, and Justin Turner. Shaw was optioned to the minors just a few weeks into the season and he figures to be recalled at some point, as Shaw has continued to crush the ball at Triple-A Iowa.
If the Cubbies wanted a more established option, they could look to obtain McMahon and take care of the third base position through the end of the 2027 season. It would be a more costly endeavor since McMahon is owed the remainder of a $12MM salary this year and is then owed $16MM salaries in 2026 and 2027, though that price point roughly matches the Cubs’ tendency to spend but only in modest average annual values. Acquiring McMahon would block Shaw, but Chicago could potentially then shop Shaw to address other needs, or perhaps Shaw could even be part of a trade package with the Rockies.
Given the Rockies’ reluctance to trade altogether, it is particularly hard to imagine the Rox moving an ownership favorite like McMahon to a division rival like the Dodgers. Max Muncy is also installed at third base, though Muncy has only just started to heat up after a very slow start at the plate. L.A. could conceivably make Muncy part of the second base mix in the event of a McMahon trade, and such a deal could probably signal the forthcoming end of Muncy’s time in Dodger Blue. Muncy is in the final guaranteed year of his contract and the Dodgers hold a $10MM club option on his services for 2026, so the team might already be considering future possibilities at third base.
The big question facing any team interested in McMahon is whether or not he can reach a higher level at the plate. With only an 89 career wRC+ and decidedly better splits at Coors Field than on the road, it isn’t clear if McMahon is anything more than a glove-only option at third base. While quality defense is certainly a plus, paying $16MM for such glovework may be viewed as too steep for some suitors. Having to eat some money to accommodate a trade may add to whatever misgivings the Rockies may already have about moving McMahon.
Seems like a lot of teams have interest in him.
Hard pass.
McMahon can’t dominate outside of Coors, well not even on Coors.
He is nice defensively.
Dodgers can do better with Muncy or Freeland. Cubs can do better with Shaw IMHO.
Muncy has hit better this month. Even if he wasn’t what he was a few years ago, the sort of production he’s put up in May is good enough.
Does he have defensive versatility? Why not go after Arenado at that point?
Cards aren’t trading Arenado anytime soon. St. Louis thinks they can win the Central. And the ask would be crazy high.
They are still fairly likely to be sellers at the deadline. Brewers should surge. Cubs could hold steady or falter. Reds and Cardinals are 500 teams. I kind of doubt the Rockies trade anyone. They have been doubling down on stupid for years no reason for them to suddenly not have smooth brains.
I like Arenado so hoping he is a Dodger too. Colors the judgement. Chances are slim but a guy can dream.
Rockies don’t trade they just wait for them to leave
“Rockies don’t trade”…The rudderless Colorado Rockies have been treading water for so long, I do believe that they’ve forgotten how to swim.
Ownership thinks theyre in contention. Not trading anyone.
The Rockies are going to stay horrible forever if they aren’t going to trade people like McMahon
Getting nothing for story, gray, arenado, set them back a few years
I think there’s something admirable about trying to compete, even if it’s better if they didn’t, but this is sometimes the result you end up with by doing that. Whether trying, failing, and then ending up in an even worse place than before is better rather than just not trying at all is up for you to decide.
You can’t possibly think what the Rockies are doing is “trying to compete”.
They think they are competing but they still lose 100 games trying to compete
@Kevin Right now? Of course not. But I’m talking about a few years ago. Even as late as 2023, Dick Monfort thought they could at least be a .500 club, and reasoning like that is why they never rebuilt, even if they didn’t have much to build around at that time.
mlb1225-
Tryin’ & failin’ >> Not tryin’ at all
That being said, for the past *hmmmmm* decade(?) the Rox should have sold more often than not. They now reside in their own manufactured purgatory. Best of luck digging out of this hole to whatever FO has the reins. My heart goes out to true CR fans; they don’t deserve this debacle.
It’s a lot more like hell than purgatory
Sometimes the best way to compete is to fail.
The Orioles and Astros did it right… the Rox? Not so much.
“The Rockies are going to stay horrible”…I’m not trying to be disagreeable and I do agree with your central point.
But in Rockies universe, what is 3 years lost when you have no real plan anyway?
It’s like being told you can’t book passage on the maiden voyage of “Titanic”, for another 3 years.
The flip side of the coin says that if they had a good plan then they wouldn’t have multiple years lost. They’ve had plans, per se… it just always seems to be the wrong one.
The offensive numbers don’t look particularly good when you factor in ballpark factor.
His bat isn’t much of an upgrade over Muncy.
I bet Muncy will have a higher ops+ and hr total at the end of the season.
If I am the Rockies, I am jumping on a Matt Shaw-led package for Ryan McMahon.
And McMahon’s numbers are much better than they look because he had an AWFUL April. But in May he is among the best hitters in the game.
Hi flew
That would never happen. Not even one for one.
They would roast Jed Hoyer on a rotisserie bbq.
Yes, McMahon has looked great for a few weeks, that is his MO he hits great for a month or two then flails for a month or two.
Cubs would be more like to offer Caissie or Ballesteros than Shaw. I would argue that any of those is way too much, plus McMahon gets a decent salary. Hard pass!
No thanks, he’s not having a great season even with playing at Coors. Hoyer would be a complete moron if he traded Shaw for him.
If the Cubs had McMahon then why the heck would they still need Shaw?
You can sit here and say how great Shaw is or is going to be. But win now teams are worried about now not later.
And Cassie isn’t going anywhere the Cubs need him to replace Tucker after Tucker signs with the Dodgers in the offseason.
We can debate Caissie v. Alcantara another day as I agree that neither should be traded.
My premise is not based on Shaw being a certain star but rather McMahon is not the fish I would choose to hook if Shaw must be the bait. If that is the choice, I will take my chance with Shaw.
The Cubs have very specific needs they need a 3b, a top of the rotation starter and pen help. What else are they getting for Shaw? It makes a ton of sense. Perhaps the Rockies can include a starter as well.
Because they could always trade him for something else (Mason Miller?) or slide him over to 2B and trade Hoerner after the season. Shaw’s *way* too valuable to trade for McMahon unless the Rox are eating 90% of the $$$.
Shawn is playing pretty well at AAA. Perhaps he should get another shot in the bigs.
Yep. Shaw is way too valuable to trade for McMahon. Many better ways to optimize his value and that’s IF they’d even let him go.
Looking at Shaws numbers at AAA he might be better than McMahon today right now. But you gotta give him a chance to prove it and learning on the job is difficult for win now teams.
As would never give up multiple years of Miller for just Shaw, but yes that is a deal that Cubs would have to consider.
Agree probably within a few days
Shaw is likely the Cubs next 2B man. Nico is great but not the kind of core player you lock up. No OBP, no pop.
Robert
I disagree, Hoerner is the type of core player that you should lock up.
I do agree, however, that it is unclear what the Cubs will actually do in that regard.
How about Urias, Sugano and Dominguez from the Orioles for Shaw and a prospect pitcher? Maryland college star who would be welcomed in Baltimore. And would free up Westburg for a bigger trade with Shaw as a replacement.
Shaw is gonna be the Cubs 3B. Nico makes contact. And any homeruns he gets is a bonus. He should be. 2x gold Glove winner but he was snubbed by Brice Turang. Who is not nearly as good as Nico on defense.
rondon, Agree, Shaw would be a huge overpay for McMahon. At best, I’d offer a Jordan Wicks type – take it or leave it.
I’m glad they’re giving Shaw another opportunity.
And K of Cards – go back to your ‘blackpink identity’. Are you schitzo?
McMahon is not worth a caissie or ballesteros, McMahon has a streaky bat (at coors field) and decent defense
That’s not worth a top prospect
I agree Sad, but if Cubs were convinced McMahon fixed something in his offense and could hit away from Coors, I could see Ballesteros if Rockies add significant $. I just don’t know where you play Mo Baller, defensively. And doubt that’s who CO would target, a fulltime DH at 21.
Ballesteros definitely has a lot of potential value as a DH. Verdict is still out whether he could be a decent catcher, either as a backup or as a starter. But his bat will play.
Ballesteros goes to DH when the Cubs don’t sign Tucker. Suzuki goes back to RF.
He’s a top 100 prospect and top 5 in the Cubs system. Not saying he’s an elite prospect but doubt he’s a throw in either.
Ballersteros has a ton of value actually. He would be the main piece in just about any trade.
how can you say he’s a 4A player he’s had like 15 MLB at bats
PCA looked pretty bad in his first few major league games and look where he is now. Give it some time. If he’s still bad in a month or two then maybe I’ll agree but it’s too early right now.
I am not the one that made up the idea. It is mentioned in the article that Shaw “could even be part of the return package to the Rockies.” I’m just stating that if it is on the table, the Rockies should go for it.
Phrasing it that way, yes, the Rockies would be trading an expensive player who is average for a cheap player who is below average but with great potential.
Only reason for Rockies to keep McMahon is to try to avoid breaking the White Sox record for losses in a single season.
Except McMahon is not really that expensive. His defense alone is well worth his $12 million a year salary. He is arguably the best defensive 3B in the game or at the very least , he is in the conversation. He would a defensive upgrade for pretty much every contender except for maybe the Giants and Chapman.
Yes his offense is streaky, but when he is on he is among the best hitters in the game. It’s worth the gamble on his offense just to get his defense. Although I would hate to see him go because he has been one of my favorite Rockies to watch for the past few years. But I think it is time, even though I know Rockies fans have been spoiled on world class 3B defense for over a decade now.
With some of these “offers” mentioned here, I am no longer upset at the Rockies not trading Trevor Story or Jon Gray. Because if this is the kind of lowball offering that happened, it is not worth the trouble.
McMahon is a net negative asset on his contract. Cubs aren’t trading Shaw, Ballesteros, Cassie, or anybody else inside their org top 20 for him. PTBNL is about as good as it’s gonna get.
At most, I’d give up Triantos and someone in the 20-30 range for McMahon. Anyone thinking they’d get Alcántara, Caissie, Shaw or Ballesteros needs to put down the crack pipe.
It is mentioned in the ARTICLE. It’s not just some stupid hiflew idea here.
Got it. Our disagreement is with the concept in the article, not with your recitation of it.
The Rockies would trade for Nicky Lopez over Shaw. Haha. If they didn’t have to pay McMahons salary. Which they would have to do if he’s traded anywhere.
Hard pass on McMahon for me
I’m sure the Yankees are checking in on him also. He doesn’t wow me, but he’d be better than what they have presently. After years of neglecting lefty swingers, the team actually needs another righty bat. I’d prefer Hayes if it comes to making a trade.
McMahon is too young for the Yankees
They must think Ke’Bryan is still in diapers then!
The Yankees can always inquire about his deadbeat step father Vince.
Thanks but no thanks. He can’t even hit in Coors.
Muncy is better than McMahon
The Rockies don’t trade guys midseason I thought we established this by now
If Monfort really likes McMahon, it wouldn’t surprise me that he extends him to something like 6 or 7 years and reduce his AAV. It’s a feel-good Charlie Blackmon move for the fans and absolutely wouldn’t move the competitive needle for the franchise.
McMahon wouldn’t be an upgrade for your Yankees. He’s having trouble hitting even with playing at Coors…
I don’t know about that. At least they’d be getting a good glove at third base. Oswaldo Cabrera is out for the rest of the year, leaving them with Oswald Peraza and DJLM as their options at third base. McMahon may not be a game-changer, but I’d bet on him putting up an OPS around .700 before either Peraza or LeMahieu.
He’s a career .664 away. For 12/16/16 plus luxury tax, it’s a hard pass for a marginal upgrade, if any.
If the Cubs trade Shaw for McMahon, the return better include the Rockies paying the vast majority of the rest of his contract or a top five prospect in their system like Dollander, Charlie Condon or Brody Brecht. Those three are probably going to be better than everybody currently on their MLB roster.
McMahon makes far too much money for a glove first 3B in today’s game. Even if the Rockies agree to pay the vast majority of the contract, I still don’t like the deal for the Cubs if they’re giving up Shaw unless they’re getting at least one of the Rockies top 30 prospects back too.
Well said. And even the McGlove is hardly GG caliber.
It’s silly for the Cubs to even consider this, given how unlikely it is for the Rockies to eat much salary or deal a significant prospect.
Shaw’s glove was good enough that despite the 55 OPS+ he was still replacement level, and he’s not going to hit like that for long.
Moving on from one of your best prospects bc he flopped around for 68 PA would be ridiculous.
There is ZERO chance the Cubs give up on Shaw so soon,and -1mil % they trade him for McMahon.
Agree. I find it odd that the idea of Shaw-for-McMahon is even being discussed here. Hoyer would never do that, even if for some reason he values McMahon mote than he ought to.
I don’t think the Cubs are one of the teams pursuing McMahon. The article feels like one of those speculative ones where the writer is thinking, hmm, who needs a third basenan? Well, the Cubs do, sorta, so they must be in on McMahon. I see no real substance here.
Shaw’s value has considerably decreased because of his initial MLB flop. If he flops again his value will tank. Besides he’s a middle infielder not a true 3B – he’s short with a weak throwing arm for 3B He is far from a sure thing. Cubs need 3B not to be a net negative.
Maybe Shaw’s value has diminished in some people’s eyes, but the same was true with PCA when he first came up and those days are long passed.
If the Rockies’ ownership is really concerned about trading any player to a “division rival,” then they need to catch the first available ambulance to Bellevue. They are far, far away from having any concerns about rivals, and said rival would also be sending them a player of current or future value. Why isn’t the “division rival” concerned about that?
Still, I can’t see the Dodgers having a huge interest in MacMahon. They couldn’t simply install Muncy at 2B. Someone would have to be traded, demoted, or released.
Sup Blue. Any word in Blueville that suggests Hyeseong would be willing to try third? Just curious if the subject has been broached. Cheers amigo, looking forward to our first tango pretty soon!
I don’t imagine it’s a matter of willingness. Management feels best position is 2B.
They wouldn’t be wrong! Alright, go Pads on 3… don’t be shy, Blue! 🙂
@gwynning Dave Roberts has already said that Kim will be used as a Swiss army knife, and they love his defense. I wouldn’t be surprised if they play him at third some and see how he handles it, especially if Muncy gets hurt or slumps again.
Hyeseong plays a great 2B and CF and is probably capable elsewhere. But Freeland is the more likely heir apparent at 3B when Mindy’s contract expires.
Yeah, but Muncy’s contract runs through the end of the season with a club option for next year. I would love to see Alex replace Max before then. Dodgers are also very big on creating versatility with these players and it’s rare they ever stick one person at any single position. So I wouldn’t be surprised if these guys all bounced around the infield left of first base
Yeah, common sense would would say that the Rockies should be ran that way. However,Dick Monfort doesn’t have a whole lot of common sense. When the guy making the final decision makes them based off emotions, like Arte Moreno, the team suffers out of petty spite.
LA is also interested in ED McMahon
YEEESSS!!! HAHA, I see what you did there Johnny! Hoho-ha!
So says Carnac the Magnificent
I thought Alan53 predicted the White Sox were going to win 2 out of 3 against the Cubs in their series this weekend.
I love when he constantly complains that the Cubs are racist because they don’t have any black players.
That’s an actual thing? The rants, not the Cubs thingy…
I always miss all the fun!
Also said the Cubs would have a losing record in the nine game stretch against the Marlins and White Sox.
And let’s give Alan a little credit—the White Sox did come within four runs twice and were only outscored by 18 in the three game set.
Lol
LOL. I’m glad I was wrong about the Sox series.
It’s interesting that some folks here think I am an anti-Cubs troll. That’s the last thing I am. I’m a lifelong Cubs fan. Maybe I am too pessimistic sometimes because of past traumas–or maybe fearing the worst is a defense mechanism–but I’m not a troll. And I am glad to learn from you guys and enjoy your comments.
If 8-16 is a miracle
My god what is 8-37?
Bad-bad.
It depends on if it is written out in seashells
Given the introduction of the draft lottery, it’s bizarre that three teams are on track for 100 loss seasons with records either being beaten or put at risk
McMahon is far far better than anything the Cubs or Yankees have at 3b. Both the Cubs and Yankees are playoff hopefuls and both have a giant hole at 3b. And what other 3b is available?
Fishing after a player with a .664 OPS away from Coors is not a good idea, particularly when his carrying skill is a glove that’s good at around +5 OAA the last several years, but hardly great.
Who else is available? Should they try and trade for Paredes?
They could trial Chris Taylor for league minimum
Play Shaw, and don’t panic.
A few weeks ago I’d say yes to the cubs going after mcmahon but not now. I say let it play out by getting Shaw back up soon. With McMahon available however, cubs should only offer package of their 10-20 ranked prospects but no caissie, ballesteros, or alcantara; nobody off roster; and cash.
This Cubs fan says “please take a pass” on McMahon.
Rockies aren’t trading with the Dodgers. Montfort is like Moreno and despises the Dodgers. McMahon fits well as a righty and defensive upgrade over Muncy but Max walks and hits enough homers when he gets streaky keep his bat on par with Ryan. Dodgers better hope the Cardinals go on a huge losing streak and become sellers at the trade deadline if they wanna upgrade the third base defense and get someone who can hit. I can see the Cubs and Rockies doing the trade, but the Cubs shouldn’t be willing to spend a lot in prospects. That makes the Rockies even less likely to do a rare trade for them. I just don’t see it as likely that the Rockies will trade him or anyone important really
How dumb he can’t hit
What would the Cubs be willing to give up for Miguel Garza?
Both the Cubs and Yankees need help at 3B but Ryan strikesouts way to much. The production is not there either. What he gives you is a pretty solid defense and he doesn’t get hurt very much at all. Maybe, a change to a new team and a fresh set of coaches can improve the production and lower the strikeouts. I dont see his salary as much of a problem if there was more hitting. Detroit might have had some interest if he was a right hand bat and better production. Hard to beat a guy with a decent glove who shows up to play everyday but those strikeouts will kill a teams offense. I would think the Yankees would be the most likely trade partner if the Rockies decided to part ways.
If the Dodgers were going to add someone to the 2B mix, they’d be better defensively putting McMahon there than Muncy. I believe McMahon was a GG finalist at 2B when they had Arenado occupying 3B.
The Cubs are not going to trade Shaw for McMahon or anybody. Nor should they. They are going to bring him up soon, and he will do better.
Stop with the McMahon talk. Coors inflated numbers don’t travel well. By Memorial Day I want to see Matt Shaw playing 3B every day.
Remember, Ryne Sanberg’s first 5o or so at bats in the majors? Shaw is a hitter and hitters, well, they HIT!
No thanks. McMahon is 7 years older than Shaw. I don’t get why the Cubs would give up on Shaw this soon. I wouldn’t want to trade for McMahon if the. Rockies also sent 90% of his remaining salary to the Cubs. I would rather stick with Shaw.
Shaw is definitely ready. He’s a natural SS. Which is usually the strongest arm on the infield. So playing 3rd isn’t an issue.
What the rocks need is new ownership since all ontfort has ever cared about was lining his own pockets. He will find out when coors field is empty of rocks fans and only the rocks opponents fans will show up. Its actually already started happening.
Whats wrong with having both Shaw and McMahon depth wise. McMahon better than anyone cubs currently have at 3rd defensively and Shaw still gets majority of playing time because of his bat. If ever still going after McMahon, I wouldn’t offer in any way a top farm other than maybe 10-20 ranked minor league 2 or 3 players and cash.
I’m always amazed that most of the comments come from non-Rockies fans whose goal seems to be to let each other know that they can tell the Rockies suck. As far as McMahon goes, he has never hit for average, but when he hits a homer, it goes a long way. McMahon has played all 4 infield positions, and plays 3rd base as well as anyone. In the speculation about who would take him, no one said the Rockies were the least bit interested in trading him for what other clubs low-ball offers would be.