Cubs Expected to Pursue Trade For Rockies' Ryan McMahon - Yahoo Sports
With the Chicago Cubs dealing with uncertainty at third base, the Cubs are expected to make changes at some point during the summer. A new report has an option the Cubs are considering ot be their new third baseman.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs "... are closely monitoring Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon in case he's traded this summer."
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McMahon has been in trade rumors for over a year now, and with this latest report from Nightengale, the Cubs are seemingly interested in the Rockies' third baseman.
So far in 2025, McMahon has a batting average of just .209, with an on-base percentage of .330 and a slugging percentage of .379. His OPS is .709, .035 lower than his career average.
While he's struggled a bit at the plate in 2025, McMahon is still a valuable player thanks to his above-average defense and walk rate. McMahon has a BB% of 14.8, the 92nd percentile according to Baseball Savant.
Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon (24) throws to first base in the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
The Cubs would pursue McMahon to slide him into their third-base spot, replacing a rotation of infielders the Cubs have tried out at third through the first 46 games of the season.
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Top prospect Matt Shaw started the year at third base, but after hitting just .172, was sent down to Triple-A Iowa to regain his swing and confidence. While he's great for Iowa, with his .915 OPS, Shaw isn't guaranteed a spot in the Majors after his rough start to the year.
Meanwhile, the Cubs have been trotting out a combination of Vidal Brujan, Nicky Lopez, Jon Berti, and Justin Turner at third base in 2025. All of which are below-average players and could all be upgraded.
Nightengale connecting the Cubs to McMahon makes a lot of sense for the Cubs, as the offense in 2025 has been among the best in baseball, and there is a lot of optimism in Chicago.
McMahon would slide right into the starting third baseman spot and would give the Cubs a complete infield with solid, versatile depth behind them.
Related: Cubs' Matt Shaw Gets Bad Prediction Despite Justin Turner's Below-Average Play