Three potential landing spots for Rockies 3B Ryan McMahon

It is easy to see why Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon deserves better.

He is the last of the core that was supposed to make the Rockies a perennial playoff team. The Rockies had refused to trade him despite disappointing performances over the past few years, keeping him in baseball purgatory.

This year may be different. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Rockies may finally be ready to trade McMahon. He has overcome a slow start to revert to form — hitting for solid power while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense. With two more years left on his six-year, $70M extension, McMahon would potentially be a long-term solution for a team in need of help at the hot corner.

Let's take a look at three possible landing spots for McMahon ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.

New York Yankees

In theory, the Yankees do not need a third baseman. Infielder Jazz Chisholm has performed well at the hot corner and could theoretically stay at third. However, he is a Gold Glove-caliber second baseman, another area where the Yankees need help. As the Yankees finally cut infielder DJ LeMahieu loose, adding a third baseman may be more of a priority.

According to Jack Curry of YES Network, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman listed third base as a need. McMahon would provide more pop in the lineup while drastically improving their infield defense. While he may not be the superstar Yankees fans would hope for, he could be the perfect fit.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers are known to be looking for help at third base. Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman is reportedly at the top of their wish list, but there is no guarantee that he will become available. The Tigers have also been linked to Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, but may face considerable competition on the trade front.

Although McMahon does not have the offensive upside of Bregman, he is an excellent defensive third baseman. The Tigers have managed to cobble the position together, using utility man Zach McKinstry, infielder/outfielder Javier Baez and infielder Colt Keith at third. Adding McMahon would give the Tigers more flexibility on their bench, allowing McKinstry to return to his super utility role.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds entered Wednesday with a 46-46 record, good for fourth in the NL Central and 4.5 games out of a playoff berth. Chances are that the Reds will not be contending for a spot in the postseason by the end of the year.

However, the Reds have a hole at third base going forward. Jeimer Candelario was a disastrous signing, posting a .207/.265/.394 batting line with 22 homers before being released on June 29. Infielder Santiago Espinal has been the Reds' primary third baseman but has not fared much better. McMahon would be a significant upgrade over the Reds' options at third, especially as they look to contend in 2026 and beyond.