It’s been the same story playing on repeat for the Cubs this season—another night and another gap at third base. No matter who the team puts in that position, the results have been painfully underwhelming, leaving fans wondering how much longer the Cubs can ride this out without a permanent fix.

Now, with the trade market beginning to shuffle, there is a growing sense that help could finally be on the way. A specific $70 million infielder might just hold the key to resolving the team’s most nagging infield dilemma before it derails their postseason hopes. The front office recognized that a patchwork approach was not sustainable, especially for a team with deep playoff ambitions.

That’s where the rumor mill began to hum, and it’s getting louder by the day. Newsweek’s Andrew Wright said, “A change of scenery from the worst team in baseball to a division-leading team may be exactly what McMahon needs to kickstart his season.” For the Cubs, he could also be the missing star they desperately need.

When the team opened the season, they thought Matt Shaw would save third base. However, that hope quickly faded. After his demotion, the  Cubs tried out several other options–Jon Berti, Justin Turner, and Vidal Bruján–but none managed to cement the spot.

But now, the Rockies’ $70 million man, Ryan McMahon, checks multiple boxes the Cubs are searching for. Sure, he’s in a slump, batting just .195 with a major-league-leading 35 strikeouts, but he’s not a flash-in-the-pan star. He has posted five straight full seasons with more than 20 home runs and more than 20 doubles. In addition, McMahon’s career .323 on-base percentage and .297 OBP this year highlight that the star still identifies ways to help. The big question now is “how“—how quickly can the team make it happen before another contender swoops in?

Cubs clear roster spot

As the Cubs bamboozled their infield puzzle, another move made headlines: shipping Gage Workman to the struggling White Sox. After drafting the star in the Rule 5 Draft from Detroit, the Cubs gave the 25-year-old a shot as a utility infielder. It didn’t click. In nine games, Workman managed just a .214 BA with just three hits and underwhelming defense, leading to his quick DFA. Trading him for cash considerations wasn’t flamboyant, but it cleared a roster spot and sent a clear message that the team is prioritizing impact over potential.

Still, Workman’s story isn’t over yet. His 2024 season at Double-A Erie underscored real promise: he hit .280 with 18 home runs and 89 RBI over 126 games. He sparkled with pop and patience, posting a .366 OBP. In addition, he showed he could handle multiple infield spots. Sure, the early MLB sample didn’t turn heads, but talents like Workman need time to adjust. Staying in Chicago with the White Sox might just give him the fresh start he needs. Meanwhile, Cubs fans will be watching closely, wondering if they just handed their rivals a hidden gem.

As the Cubs reshape their infield plans, all eyes are now on whether bold moves like pursuing a $70M star will pay off—or come back to haunt them. Stay tuned, because if Chicago’s bet doesn’t hit, supporters won’t hold back. What’s your take on their newest shake-up?