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Cubs Showing Interest in 3B Ryan McMahon

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Bobby Foster | Last updated May 18, 2025 11:52 PM ET

It's been no secret that one of the bigger weaknesses of the 2025 Chicago Cubs has been third base. With a revolving door of utility players, the team has been having a hard time finding consistency at the hot corner.

Matt Shaw figures to be a future stalwart at the position, but his development is taking a bit longer than the team needs it to while sitting atop the NL Central. It seems all but certain that the Cubs are going to be aggressive at this year's trade deadline, and third base could be an area they look to make an addition.

It appears that they have already begun their due diligence. According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Cubs are keeping Colorado Rockies' third baseman Ryan McMahon on their radar in case he becomes available before the trade deadline.

The veteran makes all the sense in the world as an upgrade at third for the Cubs. With the Rockies as cellar dwellers in the American League West with an 8-38 record through their first 46 games, there's added incentive in trading him to a contender this year. The Cubs certainly have the prospect capital to entice a rebuilding team.

His stats don't jump off the page, but McMahon could definitely hold his own in this juggernaut of a lineup. With the Cubs, McMahon wouldn't be expected to be one of the best hitters on the team like he is in Colorado, which would take the pressure off him for the first time in his career. He's not a "star," but he's an upgrade over the likes of Jon Berti and Vidal Brujan.

As his contract runs through 2027, the former all-star will earn $16 million a year for the next two seasons. It's a price that even the frugal Cubs shouldn't have an issue covering if need be.

Regardless, the Cubs need to address third base while the rest of their team continues to show that they are for real in 2025. Letting a powerhouse of a lineup go to waste would be malpractice by Jed Hoyer. Ryan McMahon could be one of the missing puzzle pieces for a deep run into October.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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