The Toronto Blue Jays are apparently interested in Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon, but it may all be for naught.

McMahon's name has been thrown around as a potential trade candidate between now and the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline, but the Rockies are unlikely to move him, via Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

McMahon is under contract through 2027, so Colorado does not have to be in any rush to move him. The 29-year-old is enjoying the best year of his career to date, slashing .286/.366/.483 with 10 home runs and 33 RBI over 234 plate appearances. He has also been brilliant defensively as usual, posting a UZR/150 of 8.0.

The Rockies selected McMahon in the second round of the 2013 MLB Draft. He made his big-league debut in 2017, playing in just 17 games and going 3-for-19. He didn't really become a full-time starter until his third season, when he slashed .250/.329/.450 with 24 long balls and 83 RBI across 539 trips to the dish.

McMahon has never been an outstanding hitter, laying claim to a career slash line of .246/.327/.432. However, his sparkling defense and ability to play multiple infield positions makes him a very valuable commodity. Plus, this season, has bat has come alive, and for those worried about McMahon simply being a product of Coors Field, he has actually been significantly better on the road (.905 OPS) than he has been in Denver (.785 OPS) in 2023.

What are the Blue Jays' deadline plans?

Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon (24) rounds the bases on a two run home run in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field.
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Blue Jays are currently 25-29 and sit 11 games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. They are five games back of the Minnesota Twins for the third and final Wild Card spot in the American League.

Toronto's evident interest in McMahon is understandable, given that the Blue Jays' offense has been an issue this season. They rank 17th in batting average and OPS and 22nd in home runs and runs scored. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Davis Schneider are the team's only starters with an .800 OPS or better.

Article Continues Below
Related Toronto Blue Jays News
Chicago White Sox designated hitter Andrew Benintendi (23) hits a two-run double against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning at Rate Field.
1 player Chicago White Sox must trade before 2025 deadlineZachary Howell ·
padres, dylan cease
1 player San Diego Padres must trade before 2025 deadlineGarrett Kerman ·
Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Anthony Santander (25) warms up before playing the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre.
Blue Jays mulling over Anthony Santander IL decisionBenedetto Vitale ·
Blue Jays news: Max Scherzer set for important step in injury rehab
Blue Jays’ Max Scherzer set for important step in injury rehabChris Spiering ·
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Bowden Francis (44) pitches to the San Diego Padres during the third inning at Rogers Centre.
3 players Toronto Blue Jays fans are already fed up with in 2025Zachary Howell ·
image thumbnail
1 player Toronto Blue Jays must trade before 2025 deadlineGarrett Kerman ·

But Toronto's issues extend beyond its lack of elite bats.

The Blue Jays also rank 28th in the majors in bullpen ERA (4.92), which has made life very difficult for manager John Schneider. The starting pitching hasn't been bad, but if the starters are unable to go deep into games, the Jays are pretty much toast.

That begs the question: should Toronto consider selling at the trade deadline?

It's blatantly obvious that the Blue Jays are miles behind the Yankees and Baltimore Orioles. Not only that, but they are in last place in the division overall. They may actually be better served moving some pieces rather than trying to make additions over the next couple of months.

I don't think bringing in McMahon is going to suddenly make Toronto a contender in the American League. The Jays need a whole lot more than that.

The Blue Jays have made the playoffs each of the last two years and three of the last four seasons. All three times, they have gotten swept in the Wild Card Round. Clearly, something is amiss here, and it has only gotten worse in 2024.