Report: Chicago Cubs Monitoring Colorado Infielder
The Chicago Cubs have been named as one of the teams that are monitoring the availability of Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon. As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the possibility of adding a player of McMahon’s value becomes increasingly enticing for multiple teams. With question marks surrounding the depth of the infield, the Chicago Cubs are reportedly starting to put together a game plan for the MLB trade deadline, with McMahon at its center.
While he hasn’t gotten off to a great start in 2025, his track record and player profile make him a viable option for the Cubs to acquire. The emergence of Matt Shaw as a capable starting third baseman could make the Chicago Cubs reconsider their efforts to bring in McMahon. The 23-year-old prospect didn’t get off to a great start in his major league career.
Still, ever since being recalled for his second stint, he has taken the starting job by storm, shifting the focus from bringing in McMahon to emphasizing his versatility and depth, which will enable him to play a supporting role for the Chicago Cubs team as they attempt to embark on a deep postseason run in 2025.
Chicago Cubs Eyeing Ryan McMahon
The Chicago Cubs are currently tied with the New York Mets for the best record in the National League. After pushing their chips to the middle of the table this past offseason, they are reaping the rewards of some aggressive moves with an eye toward this October. The trade deadline presents another opportunity for the Cubs to demonstrate their commitment to the 2025 season, and as the calendar turns to June, rumors about possible trades have begun to surface.
The speculation around Colorado Rockies IF Ryan McMahon is one of the biggest storylines to keep track of as the Chicago Cubs look to add to their roster for a postseason push. They, as well as the Los Angeles Dodgers, have been named as the early favorites to land one of Colorado’s most tradable players in McMahon, according to Bob Nightengale.
With the Rockies getting out to a historically bad start, they will likely look to unload their All-Star infielder ahead of the deadline. A key reason for that is not only his trade value, but the two years and $32M left on his deal after the 2025 season.McMahon can play all around the infield, with most of his time in the field spent at third base, but with plenty of experience at first and second as well.
He hasn’t been tearing it up at the plate in 2025, only slashing .204 /.315 /.345 with 6 HR and 17 RBI in 59 games. This, combined with the salary commitment and dire situation in Colorado, may lower the asking price for McMahon, and if the Cubs can put together a package to acquire the 2024 NL All-Star.
Fixing A Need
If the Chicago Cubs can net McMahon in a deal this summer, that could help plug a hole on this roster. With the emergence of Matt Shaw, third base hasn’t been the dramatic problem it was early in the season. The combination of Shaw, Justin Turner, Nicky Lopez, Vidal Brujan, Jon Berti, and Gage Workman couldn’t cobble up enough production to stave off the complaints about not bringing in Alex Bregman in the offseason.
In Shaw’s second stint with the team, however, he has improved considerably, hitting over .300 and coming up big in key situations, including a walk-off single over McMahon’s Rockies. Shaw’s resurgence has altered the tone of the conversation surrounding the potential addition of McMahon. Rather than be a full-time third baseman, adding McMahon would be to fix the need the Chicago Cubs have behind their starting infield.
Gage Workman was traded, Nicky Lopez was designated for assignment, Vidal Brujan has battled injuries, Jon Berti plays a limited role and Justin Turner is showing his age in his sparse playing time. By bringing in McMahon, the Chicago Cubs could solidify their infield and provide a safety net should Shaw go back into a slump. July 31 is far away, but the rampant speculation is already well underway.
