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The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers have eyes on a potential target to bolster their infields ahead of the trade deadline.
Both of these teams are leading the way in their respective divisions, and it could lead to a bidding war for versatile infielder Ryan McMahon.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today notes that both of these teams are keeping McMahon on their radar.
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“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,” wrote Nightengale.
McMahon has spent his entire career to this point as a member of the Rockies, but that could change this year given how poor they have started the season and lots of teams appearing to monitoring his situation.
Through his first 153 at-bats, McMahon is hitting just .209 with six home runs and 11 RBI. However, he doesn’t have much protection around him in the Rockies lineup. Teams have been able to pitch around him as evidenced by his 27 walks entering Sunday — 16th in Major League Baseball.
One of the most attractive elements to McMahon is his versatility defensively. The 30-year-old infielder can play first base, second base and third bases which makes him someone who is tough to pull out of the lineup. On the other hand, he’s always someone teams can turn to as a pinch hitter knowing his versatility will help them out in the field the next half inning.
McMahon makes a lot of sense for both of these teams or any contender. Neither the Dodgers nor the Cubs are getting much production from third base offensively, and contenders always love the idea of adding a player who is versatile. However, they would have to give up a significant amount as McMahon would have 2 1/2 years of team control remaining at the trade deadline.
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