As the MLB season hits the two-month mark, contending teams are beginning to assess how they can improve their rosters ahead of the summer trade deadline. Two clubs in particular — the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs — have emerged as early suitors for one of the more intriguing potential trade targets: Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, both the Dodgers and Cubs are “closely monitoring” McMahon in case the Rockies opt to move him.
“Several teams, including the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, are closely monitoring Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon in case he’s traded this summer,” Nightengale reported.
Los Angeles Dodgers Eyeing NL West Infielder
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
McMahon, 30, brings value on both sides of the ball. He was an All-Star in 2024, finishing that season with 20 home runs, 65 RBIs, and strong defensive metrics over 153 games. While his offensive numbers in 2025 have dipped — he’s currently batting .209 with six home runs and 11 RBIs in 44 games — his elite walk rate, hard-hit percentage, and average exit velocity remain bright spots. According to Baseball Savant, McMahon ranks in the 90th percentile or better in both hard-hit rate and exit velocity.
That underlying profile could make him an ideal change-of-scenery candidate — especially if he lands in a more competitive environment like Chicago or Los Angeles.
The Cubs, who have lacked stability at third base all season, might benefit significantly from acquiring McMahon. Chicago has rotated between Jon Berti, Nicky Lopez, and Vidal Bruján at the hot corner — none of whom offer McMahon’s combination of power and defensive prowess.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are dealing with their own third-base uncertainty. Max Muncy, while providing power and occasional clutch hitting, has been subpar defensively. He’s batting .211 with a .674 OPS, compared to McMahon’s .709 OPS. Defensively, the gap is even more pronounced: McMahon owns a .971 fielding percentage and 3 Outs Above Average (91st percentile), while Muncy holds a .933 fielding percentage with -4 Outs Above Average (7th percentile), per Baseball Savant.
That disparity in fielding ability, coupled with McMahon’s offensive ceiling, makes him a potential upgrade — even if Muncy is currently outpacing him in batting average by just two points.
If the Dodgers were to trade for McMahon, they’d also be acquiring a player under contract through 2027. McMahon is in the midst of a six-year, $70 million deal that will pay him $16 million in both 2026 and 2027 — a manageable figure for a franchise with the financial firepower of Los Angeles.
One potential obstacle: McMahon currently plays for an in-division rival. The Rockies may be hesitant to move one of their top veterans to a National League West powerhouse. However, given the extent of Colorado’s struggles — they sit at 8–37 after a rare 14–12 win over Arizona on Saturday and are on pace to become one of the worst teams in MLB history — they’ll likely be open to listening to offers if the return is strong enough.
Trading McMahon could kick-start a broader rebuild for the Rockies and allow contenders like the Cubs or Dodgers to shore up a key position as they eye deep postseason runs. For now, all eyes remain on the third baseman in Colorado — and the contenders circling him.
