Mariners may have a backup plan for third base in mind

The Seattle Mariners reportedly regard Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez as their top trade target. However, the Mariners may have a backup plan in mind.

According to Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post, the Mariners are among several teams interested in Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon. 

Although McMahon does not have the type of firepower offensively that Suarez possesses, he has been a solid hitter in his own right. He has shaken off a dreadful start to the season to post a .246/.332/.472 batting line in 280 plate appearances since May 1, hitting 14 homers and 12 doubles.

McMahon does have his advantages. He is one of the best defensive third basemen in the game, having saved 17 runs at the hot corner since the start of the 2024 season. Suarez, meanwhile, has cost the Diamondbacks four runs defensively in the same timeframe.

While Suarez would be a rental option as he is scheduled for free agency once the season concludes, McMahon is signed through 2027 on a reasonably affordable contract. He is due $16M in 2026 and 2027 over the final two years of the six-year, $70M extension he signed ahead of the 2022 season. The Mariners are also reportedly willing to increase their payroll, making a potential deal easier.

The big question is whether or not the Rockies will actually unload players at the deadline. The Rockies are reportedly willing to trade McMahon, although past deadlines make that assertion somewhat dubious. Should Suarez be traded ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, the Rockies may find themselves with the top fallback option at third base.