Cubs’ deadline strategy just got murkier with Ryan McMahon chatter

Matt Shaw is throwing an interesting wrinkle in the Chicago Cubs' trade deadline plans. Exiting the All-Star break, it seemed clear that the Cubs were going to add a third baseman who could unseat Shaw in the starting lineup for the remainder of the season. Shaw, however, may be giving the Cubs something to think about after hitting a three-run home run during the team's loss to the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.

For Shaw, it was his second home run in three games, and a sign that he could be turning the corner from his latest rookie slump. Since the All-Star break, Shaw has 6 hits in 11 plate appearances and is beginning to show pull power. While Shaw's hot streak likely won't dramatically alter the Cubs' deadline plans, especially as it pertains to Eugenio Suarez, it may lessen the urgency.

In other words, if the Cubs are unable to pay Suarez away from the Arizona Diamondbacks or another team acts with more urgency, such as the New York Yankees, the Cubs may not pivot to another starting option for third base. Instead, bolstering the bench with a trade for Willi Castro of the Minnesota Twins or Ramón Urías of the Baltimore Orioles could be the direction the Cubs take.

Rockies’ Ryan McMahon suddenly in play as Cubs weigh risky deadline move

Earlier this week, Jim Bowden mentioned Colorado Rockies' third baseman Ryan McMahon is a name that the Cubs are considering ahead of the deadline. There's been no shortage of connections between the Cubs and McMahon, and it's still hard to imagine the Cubs being interested in picking up his remaining money, $16MM in 2026 and 2027, while also keeping third base open for Shaw. Those two ideas aren't exactly aligned.

However, ESPN's Jesse Rogers suggests that with the Cubs having interest in McMahon, the plan could be a platoon at third base. Matt Shaw would start against left-handed starting pitchers, while McMahon gets the nod against righties. Such a scenario would also see an improvement to the Cubs' bench, giving them either Shaw or McMahon as a pinch-hit option in games.

Considering the other, and more pressing, needs the Cubs have, if Suarez is out of their reach, it doesn't seem that the front office will pivot aggressively in the direction of McMahon. Of course, Shaw's recent hot streak could just be a blip, and by the time the deadline arrives next Thursday, it's once again clear they need a starting third baseman.

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