Cubs Eyeing Rockies’ Ryan McMahon Amid Third Base Uncertainty
The Chicago Cubs have taken control of their division and pushed above .500 following an active offseason that saw major roster changes. The front office moved on from Cody Bellinger in favor of Kyle Tucker, a swap that has already paid off, and revamped both the starting rotation and bullpen. Young players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Carson Kelly have also emerged as reliable contributors in center field and behind the plate.
However, third base remains a lingering concern. The Cubs brought in veterans Jon Berti and Justin Turner to help plug the gap while evaluating top prospect Matt Shaw. But after a brief stint in the majors, Shaw was sent back down, and the team appears to be exploring external options for a more immediate solution.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs are among several teams — including the Dodgers — monitoring Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon as a potential trade target. While McMahon has struggled this season with just a 0.9 WAR, he made the All-Star team last year thanks to a solid performance at the plate (.242/.325/.397, 20 home runs).
With the Rockies headed toward a historically bad season, McMahon could become available at the trade deadline. He’s in year four of a six-year, $70 million deal and is owed $16 million annually through 2027 — a manageable figure if the Cubs believe he can return to All-Star form. Acquiring McMahon could provide the Cubs a short-term boost while giving Shaw more time to develop in the minors.
