The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a troubling slump from Max Muncy this season, fueling rumors about a possible replacement. One name generating considerable buzz across Major League Baseball is Ryan McMahon, the infielder from the Colorado Rockies, as the Dodgers consider options to fill their gap at third base.
With the July 31 trade deadline approaching, speculation grows over whether the Rockies will part ways with McMahon and if the Dodgers might be the frontrunners to acquire him, aiming to strengthen their roster as they chase another championship.
Ryan McMahon Emerges as a Leading Candidate to Fill Dodgers’ Third Base Role
As the 2025 MLB season passes the two-month mark, CBS Sports analyst R.J. Anderson listed the top players likely to be involved in trades before the July deadline, placing Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon prominently among potential candidates. Currently batting .207 with six home runs and 15 RBIs, McMahon holds an 87 OPS+ while playing for a Rockies team enduring one of the worst starts in franchise history.
The Rockies have lost 20 of their last 23 games and hold a dismal 9-45 record, sitting 24 games behind the Dodgers, who top the National League West standings and defend their World Series title. McMahon’s consistent presence in trade talks reflects his appeal to several contending teams.
MLB columnist Bob Nightengale pointed out that numerous teams are closely watching McMahon’s situation, including the Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. A post on X noted,
“Several teams are closely monitoring #Rockies INF Ryan McMahon ahead of the trade deadline … Nightengale notes the #Cubs and #Dodgers are among the teams monitoring McMahon,”
— aggregating voices across the league watching his status.
Dodgers’ Payroll and Lineup Strength Contrast With Declining Third Base Production
The Dodgers currently hold a $321 million payroll for 2025, second only to the New York Mets, signaling their financial capacity to take on McMahon’s contract if desired. Despite a roster filled with star talent and international players, the team is experiencing a significant drop in offensive output at third base, where Max Muncy has traditionally been a key contributor.
Muncy, a two-time All-Star and a mainstay for the Dodgers over eight seasons, has seen a dramatic reduction in his hitting effectiveness this year. While he maintained a 125 OPS+ average across his tenure in Los Angeles, and posted a 117 OPS+ with 36 home runs and 105 RBIs in 2023, his 2025 stats reveal a sharp decline. He is currently batting .205 with only three home runs, 21 RBIs, and an 88 OPS+, marking the lowest performance of his Dodgers career.
McMahon represents an enticing alternative due to his youth—over four years younger than Muncy—and his strong defensive skills. Although his offense this season mirrors Muncy’s struggles, his numbers could improve in the Dodgers’ hitter-friendly home at Chavez Ravine.
Trade Deadline Prospects and Contract Comparisons Between McMahon and Muncy
Given the Rockies’ position near the bottom of the standings, a trade involving McMahon may happen sooner rather than later. Alongside the Dodgers, the Cubs, who lead the NL Central, are among the teams monitoring McMahon as they evaluate their rosters ahead of the trade deadline. McMahon made his first All-Star team last season and has two years remaining on a six-year, $70 million contract, with $32 million left to pay.
In contrast, Muncy is finishing a two-year, $24 million extension, set to end after this season, though the Dodgers retain a $10 million club option for 2026. The financial aspects and player performance timelines contribute to the ongoing discussions about who might occupy the third base spot moving forward.
The Dodgers’ potential acquisition of McMahon would address an urgent need in their lineup while providing defensive stability and a younger option at a critical position, as they strive to maintain their competitive edge in the National League West during a challenging season.