The St. Louis Cardinals enter the offseason still sorting out third base, a position that remained unsettled for much of 2026.
After trading Nolan Arenado, the organization hoped Nolan Gorman would claim everyday duties at the hot corner, but the left-handed hitter never established himself as a reliable option.
His swing-and-miss issues and inconsistent production left the club evaluating internal alternatives such as Thomas Saggese and Blaze Jordan while remaining open to outside help.
With prospect Jesús Báez viewed as a longer-term possibility at the position, the Cardinals have signaled interest in a short-term solution that can provide stability without blocking younger players.
That interest could draw attention from the New York Yankees, and TJ French of Heavy.com outlined a trade scenario in which New York would look to move third baseman Ryan McMahon and his remaining contract obligation.
McMahon, a 2024 All-Star who signed a six-year, $70 million extension with the Colorado Rockies before being dealt to the Yankees in 2025, is owed $16 million in 2027, the final year of that deal.
The Yankees appear motivated to explore moving him after a season in which his offensive production fell short of expectations and his overall value registered near replacement level.
For the Cardinals, McMahon could represent a low-risk, glove-oriented stopgap if New York is willing to absorb a substantial portion of the remaining salary.
The 31-year-old left-handed hitter has long been regarded as a capable defender at third base, and even a modest offensive rebound would give St. Louis a steady presence while internal candidates continue to develop.
His 2026 numbers with the Yankees showed clear struggles at the plate, yet the profile still includes enough power potential to offer more than a pure defensive placeholder in a lineup that has other areas of strength.
Because the Cardinals are not looking for a multi-year commitment at the position, a one-year arrangement fits the timeline they have publicly described.
Any deal would likely require the Yankees to take on significant money, as the Cardinals have shown little appetite for high-priced veterans while navigating their own payroll considerations and prioritizing younger talent.
In return, New York might receive modest depth, such as a bullpen arm or a lower-level prospect, rather than a high-upside piece.
From St. Louis’ perspective, the calculation is straightforward: if the financial burden is reduced enough, McMahon provides immediate defensive competence and a familiar major-league bat without requiring a long-term roster investment.
That combination aligns with the club’s stated preference for a bridge solution while it evaluates whether any of its internal options can seize the job full-time in 2027.
