Following the blockbuster trade of Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, the trade season officially feels like it has started in Major League Baseball. We are a little over a month away from the July 31st deadline, and it’s understandable to predict the Colorado Rockies will be sellers (though we’ve heard that before).
A few weeks ago, Mac Wilcox helped game-plan for the Rockies’ trade deadline, while Renee Dechert envisioned trades that could happen as part of a three-year peek into the future of the roster. A common thread in both of those articles and a topic that has popped up multiple times over the last year is the need for the Rockies to trade their third baseman, Ryan McMahon.
We’ve covered this idea plenty at Purple Row, including myself when I broached the topic of the dangers of not trading McMahon at the deadline in 2024 as well as the seller’s market for third basemen during the offseason. It’s a discussion that bears repeating, but today, instead of just talking about the idea of trading McMahon, let’s start spitballing some potential trade partners the Rockies could match up with.
Detroit Tigers
It seems unfair and disingenuous to say the Detroit Tigers are a surprise team in 2025. After all, they did reach the postseason in 2024, but few could have predicted they would have the best record in all of baseball at this point in the season. Still, as a contender, it makes them a clear favorite to be a buyer at the deadline, particularly at third base.
The Tigers rank 19th in baseball at the hot corner with a 0.6 fWAR. They are 28th in batting average (.209), 27th in on-base percentage (.277) and 25th in slugging (.330) while ranking 19th in home runs (6).
Andy Ibáñez and Zach McKinstry have taken the majority of playing time for the Tigers this season at third, but neither has proven a real advantage at the position. It’s a rather thin spot for the club with the other depth options converted to outfielders and middle infielders. Adding McMahon instantly improves the left side of the infield defensively. while giving the Tigers a veteran boost in the OBP and SLG categories as well as some home run potential.
The Tigers have the top-rated farm system per MLB Pipeline, with plenty of attractive pieces. With two more years of team control beyond 2025 on a relatively affordable contract, it’s a worthwhile deal to explore, and the Rockies could bundle McMahon with a Jake Bird or just kick in some cash to improve their return, but this could be quite advantageous for both parties.
Chicago Cubs
Much like the Tigers, the Chicago Cubs have been much better than perhaps anyone expected in 2025. Currently leading the National League Central, the Cubs have found excellent production across the diamond, except perhaps at third base.
Top prospect Matt Shaw was penciled in as the Opening Day starter but hasn’t quite been able to find his footing at the big-league level. While the offensive optics haven’t been terrible, the results just aren’t coming for the rookie as he’s slashing .219/.298/.313 with just two home runs in 48 games.
The Cubs have mainly used Jon Berti as an alternative, with veteran Justin Turner taking a few spins at third, but he has mostly been used as a right-handed platoon bat at first base. Adding McMahon gives them a reliable bat to slot into the lineup every day, while utilizing Shaw in a platoon situation or even giving him time to work on things in the minors more.
McMahon’s versatility could also come into play as needed, giving the Cubs the ability to use him at second base to spot Nico Hoerner, first base on occasion if left-handed hitting Michael Busch needs a day off, or even just a left-handed designated hitter when needed. The Cubs have the tools, and McMahon could fit their mold as they make a playoff push.
Milwaukee Brewers
Lastly, the team in second in the NL Central could always use a boost and the Milwaukee Brewers could make a surprise push for McMahon. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand identified the Brewers as a potential suitor and it could make sense on paper.
Caleb Durbin has taken the bulk of innings at third base for the Brew Crew and slashed .228/.307/.333 with three home runs. He’s a contact machine and has played quite well defensively despite the .978 fielding percentage. Durbin has been swinging a much hotter bat of late but, there is always room for improvement at McMahon could boost the Brewers on both sides of the ball with more consistency.
Adding McMahon could shake up the infield a bit for the Brewers as they shuffle the likes of Joey Ortiz and Caleb Durbin around the middle infield to also accommodate Platinum Glove second baseman Brice Turang. McMahon could pair nicely with Rhys Hoskins at first base, essentially replacing the left-handed hitting Jake Bauers and giving the Brewers a more well-rounded player to plug and play to keep in the lineup.
There is the caveat that the Brewers would be willing to take on McMahon’s contract. The Brewers have continually been cutting costs over the last few years, and taking on McMahon’s remaining $32 million over the next two seasons may require the Rockies to kick in some cash to improve their haul and entice the Brewers. Plus, the concerns about the consistency of his bat are a well-known factor across the league. Still, the Brewers were a trade partner last season, and Bill Schmidt could look to work something out with a familiar team.
Plenty of other options
There are plenty of other available suitors who could inquire about McMahon. Both teams in New York are always on the hunt for help. The Seattle Mariners could arise as a surprise candidate, or perhaps the Rockies make a stunning in-division trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The fact of the matter is that the Rockies are going to be stingy when it comes to trading McMahon, but they have to be willing to entertain offers this season and get what they can. We aren’t expecting the world for McMahon; he hasn’t warranted a return like that, but he is a good player, and some solid deals can be made to help this team move forward toward meaningful change.
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On the Farm
Triple-A: Albuquerque Isotopes 11, Las Vegas Aviators 6
Sean Bouchard had himself a big night offensively as he led the way with four RBI, aided by a two-run home run in the first inning. Austin Nola also had a three-RBI on the night, while Sterlin Thompson had a three-hit night. On the mound, Tanner Gordon went 3 1⁄3 innings, allowing just one run on three hits. Things got a little hairy for the bullpen later on, but they managed to stave off the Aviators with Dugan Darnell locking things down in the final 1 1⁄3 innings.
Double-A: Hartford Yard Goats 3, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 1
Benny Montgomery and Braiden Ward combined for four hits as Hartford sealed the victory. The Yard Goats kicked off the scoring in the bottom of the first when Cole Carrigg hit a leadoff triple and scored on a groundout from Juan Guerrero. They’d add another run in the fourth when Dyan Jorge drew a bases-loaded walk and their final run in the eighth courtesy of an RBI single by Ward. Mason Green started on the hill and went 3 1⁄3 scoreless innings, followed by a string of relievers who allowed just one run in the top of the eighth.
High-A: Spokane Indians 10, Hillsboro Hops 3
Spokane combined for 15 hits as they dominated Hillsboro on Tuesday night. Every batter in the lineup had a hit, including Cole Messina, leading the way with three hits, including two doubles. Jared Thomas had two hits, highlighted by his 11th home run of the year, while Andy Perez drove in three runs, helped by his two-run shot in the eighth. Michael Prosecky locked it down on the mound, allowing just one run on three hits over six innings of work.
Low-A: Fresno Grizzlies 10, Stockton Ports 1
The Fresno Grizzlies also won big, amassing 10 runs on 14 hits in their victory. First baseman Kevin Fitzer led the way with a perfect 4-for-4 night, while Derek Bernard provided a two-run homer on the night. Every play that tallied a hit had at least two, while the offense as a whole had five walks against 10 strikeouts. Everett Catlett was dealing on the mound, allowing just one run over seven strong innings with seven strikeouts.
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One of the more intriguing developments of late is the emergence of Tyler Freeman as a legitimate leadoff man for the Rockies. Schaeff explains his reasoning for some of the lineup construction of late, plus there’s an update on Ezequiel Tovar.
Rockies High Leverage Relievers Named as Targets in Trade Proposal With Mets | Sports Illustrated
Speaking of other trade partners, Jake Bird is sure to be a hot commodity and the New York Mets could certainly benefit from a quality reliever in the pen.
Affected by Altitude Episode 168: Actually Watchable Rockies Baseball! | Rocky Mountain Rooftop
This week Evan Lang and I talk about the Rockies’ decent month of June, or at least the better quality of baseball. We also chat the calls for change that have been coming from many different sources within the club.
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