The Colorado Rockies are 20 games below .500, leaving them without realistic postseason hopes. It’s a matter of time before other teams will call on some of their veteran players throughout the summer. At the top of the list of interesting trade candidates is Ryan McMahon, whose early-season performance should get consideration for the first All-Star nod of his career. McMahon has been a productive player for the past few seasons. He’s a plus-defender at third base who can top 20 home runs yearly. While he strikes out a fair amount, he draws enough walks to keep a respectable on-base percentage.
It’s yet to be seen if general manager Bill Schmidt will field offers. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi tweeted on May 29 that the Toronto Blue Jays were among the teams showing interest in the veteran third baseman. However, one team that could come calling for McMahon’s services is the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners sit atop of the American League West standings but the offense could use a spark.
Ryan McMahon to the Mariners?
McMahon is under contract for three and a half more seasons. He’s playing this season and next season on #$12 million salaries and will make $16 million annually in 2026-27. The extra three seasons don’t make the Rockies seem too eager to part with McMahon. Colorado did hold onto Trevor Story and Jon Gray when they were impending free agents a few seasons ago; the same with Brent Suter last summer.
Former MLB executive Jim Bowden, who writes for The Athletic, made a trade proposal between the Mariners and Rockies for McMahon and two prospects.
Proposed trade: Mariners acquire 3B Ryan McMahon from the Rockies for RHP Emerson Hancock and INF Michael Arroyo
“The Mariners need to improve their offence, and Ryan McMahon would fit nicely in their lineup. He is slashing .268/.344/.458 with 12 home runs and 37 RBI while providing close to average defense at third base. However, he also offers positional flexibility- McMahon can play first, second or third- something the Mariners always value. The 29-year-old has power and the ability to get on base, both needs for Seattle, which ranks 25th in the majors in OPS. The Mariners would control McMahon through 2027 under the six-year, $79-million he signed before the 2022 season.”
In return, the Rockies would get what they need, prospects who can step into the lineup. Emerson Hancock could step right into their rotation, despite a 4.79 ERA over eight starts. He’s allowed two earned runs or fewer in five of his last six major league appearances. Hancock, 25, has a 2.17 ERA in five starts this season in Triple-A. Michael Arroyo, 19, is a middle infielder with a nice combination of power and speed. Arroyo is hitting .266/.392/.489 with 11 home runs and eight stolen bases in 57 games with Low-A Modesto.
If the Rockies Don’t Trade McMahon
Acquiring a player like McMahon is someone who can help in future seasons, especially with the Mariners contending for a playoff spot. However, there is a possibility that McMahon will stay put with Colorado. Second baseman Brendan Rodgers and catchers Elias Díaz and Jacob Stallings are other realistic possibilities. The returns for those players would be minimal, though. Colorado could seek a much better prospect package for McMahon, similar to what Bowden suggested. It would be more than what they would receive for any of Díaz, Stallings or Rodgers.
Main Photo: © Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
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