After Eugenio Suarez, if there’s any other highly coveted third baseman on the market, it’s the Colorado Rockies’ $70 million star. Colorado is distinctly out of playoff contention. However, one of their players may still find himself in the postseason picture—just with a different team, maybe the Dodgers or the Yankees. So, who are we talking about?

Well, in a recent Rockies-Twins matchup, scouts from multiple clubs were spotted in the stands. Of course, they were circling trade options before the deadline. One name that has grabbed league-wide attention is Ryan McMahon, the Rockies’ one and only All-Star in 2024. Sure, he didn’t have an ideal start to this season. However, he now has 15 home runs to his name after going deep in consecutive games after the All-Star break.

Throughout the season, McMahon has held a .217 batting average and .204 in July. As he emerges as a potential trade candidate, he’s been monitored by many clubs who are looking to bolster the hot corner.

And, two out of them are the Dodgers and the Yankees, who happen to have the same targets at times. The Yankees see McMahon as a backup plan to Eugenio Suarez. As revealed by MLB insider Mark Feinsand, “The Yankees have interest in Ryan McMahon as a backup plan to Eugenio Suarez, sources said, as they try to upgrade at third base. McMahon is controlled through 2027, earning $16 million in each of the next two seasons.”

When it comes to the Los Angeles Dodgers, you won’t find a moment when they wouldn’t upgrade if they had a chance. And, that’s their case with the third base at the moment.

The Yankees have also struggled to fill the void at third base. They are expected to go as an aggressive buyer. Both the Dodgers and Yankees have actively shown interest in Eugenio Suarez as well. He has been clearly on a historic tear with 36 home runs to his name this season. If that doesn’t materialize for the Yankees, they would be turning to McMahon.

But it’s not just the Yankees and the Dodgers. McMahon may draw attention from the other clubs too.

The Cubs may also be eyeing Ryan McMahon

As the trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Cubs’ strategy seems to be shaking up. Stepping into the second half of the season, they appeared to bring in Matt Shaw’s replacement in the starting rotation. However, Shaw’s recent outing may have shifted their plan. During the recent game against the Kansas City Royals, the Cubs were handed a brutal loss, but what stood out was Shaw’s outing, as he hit his second home run across three games.

Ever since the second half started, Shaw has recorded 6 hits across 11 plate appearances. So, at least for now, the Cubs don’t have a sense of urgency to find Shaw’s replacement if he stays consistent.

A while back, insider Jim Bowden named Rockies’ third baseman Ryan McMahon as a candidate that the Chicago Cubs were actively eyeing. The Cubs and McMahon have been linked for a while now. However, it’s not easy for this deal to materialize. For starters, McMahon is still owed $16 million in 2026 and 2027 by the Rockies. Plus, the Cubs would want to keep third base open for Matt Shaw.

If the Cubs still want McMahon in the mix, they could plan a platoon at the hot corner. McMahon can go against the right-handed pitchers, while Shaw can start against the lefties. It may turn out well for the Cubs, since they will be able to use either of them as a pinch-hit option depending on which player isn’t starting the game.

Will the Cubs pursue McMahon? What do you think?

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