Many people outside the Mountain time zone have yet to hear much about Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon. However, if you look at the statistics, you’ll see why McMahon will likely be a player you’ll hear more about in seasons to come.
Entering this weekend’s series for the Rockies in Los Angeles against the Dodgers, McMahon led MLB with 23 defensive runs saved (DRS) and 2.6 defensive bWAR. Of those DRS, 14 have come at third base (tied for the most in MLB) while nine have come at second base (third-most in MLB).
He’s athletic and showcases his skills often, just like a wrestler would.
Ryan McMahon has performed under pressure
Here’s the thing that many don’t realize about McMahon. He took over second base for the Rockies when DJ LeMahieu left Denver to head to the New York Yankees in 2019, then moved over to third base primarily this season after the Rockies traded Nolan Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals in the offseason. McMahon hasn’t just embraced the pressure, but he has thrived under it as well (hitting safely in 26 of 33 games since the All-Star break this season, posting a .282/.373/.419 slash line).
And with all of the pressure, McMahon has done it with a smile, one he could certainly flash from the top turnbuckle.
That’s the list. Who would you add as an MLB player who could make the transition to a “face” in the ring? Let us know in the comments below.