Newest Cubs rumor wouldn't be the fix fans are begging for

It seems that we have reached the point every season when it becomes abundantly clear that the Chicago Cubs have a need at third base.

After Matt Shaw's quick demotion to Triple-A Iowa, the Cubs have had a revolving door at third base. In the grand scheme of things, the Cubs have survived with the rotating cast of characters at third base, but when addressing potential needs ahead of the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline, it's hard not to include the hot corner in the conversation.

That could be the reason why the Cubs are reportedly keeping tabs on Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon. Bob Nightengale offered this in USA Today:

"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.

Can't say we buy this Cubs rumor

To which, we say, duh. The third base trade market is especially thin this season, so given that the Cubs could be in a position to add one before the deadline, it makes sense that they are keeping tabs on McMahon.

The Cubs actually pulling the trigger on a trade, however, doesn't quite make sense. After earning $12MM with the Rockies this season, as part of a six-year deal he signed prior to the 2022 season, McMahon will earn $16MM in 2026 and 2027. Let's get this out of the way: if the expectation is that the Cubs will be taking on the money, it likely wouldn't cost as much as when the Cubs traded Christopher Morel and a package of pitching prospects for Isaac Paredes last season.

However, that contract is one of the main reasons why the Cubs shouldn't have much interest in trading McMahon, who is 30 years old. Despite playing his entire career with the Colorado Rockies, he has yet to post a wRC+ higher than 100. On his best days, McMahon is Patrick Wisdom with the exception being that he is an above-average fielder at third base. On his worst days, which happen to be pretty often, McMahon's offense will leave fans begging for more.

If the Cubs are going to solve their third base woes this season, as we've said before, the answer is going to be Shaw. Shaw is ready for his return to the Major League level, and the Cubs would be wise to do so immediately.