Over the past two seasons, Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon has hit at an All-Star level. But that statement should come with an asterisk. Because in each of those seasons, McMahon would consistently endure a second-half slump. His production fell off a cliff once the Midsummer Classic passed. Since Nolan Arenado was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, McMahon has played excellent defense at the hot corner. With the offensive production he has shown at times, McMahon has a high ceiling. But in 2025, he has to work on putting a full season together at the plate.
Ryan McMahon First-Half/Second-Half Splits 2023-24
When McMahon plays at his best, he is a solid anchor for the Rockies’ lineup, which is full of young players who sorely need that production from McMahon. Center fielder Brenton Doyle, shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, and outfielder Nolan Jones are forming a solid, young core in Colorado. If McMahon can put together a full season offensively, the Rockies now have enough weapons around him on paper to be dangerous. Below are the first-half/second-half splits for McMahon during 2023-24.
2023 First Half
- 88 games
- .260/.341/.471
- 20 doubles
- 14 home runs
- 45 RBI
2023 Second Half
- 64 games
- .211/.297/.375
- 11 doubles
- nine home runs
- 25 RBI
2024 First Half
- 95 games
- .272/.350/.447
- 21 doubles
- 14 home runs
- 45 RBI
2024 Second Half
- 58 games
- .188/.283/.309
- seven doubles
- six home runs
- 20 RBI
In both seasons, McMahon saw a steep drop-off in almost every offensive category. His stellar 2024 first-half performance earned him his first career All-Star appearance. He ranked near the top in several offensive categories among National League third basemen. He was taking full advantage of Coors Field, using its spacious outfield and high altitude to the tune of 14 home runs and 45 RBI. But his second-half drop-off was even more pronounced than in 2023. His production vanished from the Rockies lineup. As a hitter who already ranks near the bottom of the league in whiff % and K% per Statcast, McMahon can’t afford the drop in production.
Possible Reasons for Second-Half Slump
McMahon will be entering his ninth season in Major League Baseball in 2025, which provides plenty of sample size. The 30-year-old has spent his entire career in Colorado. McMahon is an extraordinarily durable player, playing in at least 151 games in each of the last four seasons. He truly is the Rockies everyday third baseman. He is always a top-tier defender, finishing as a Gold Glove finalist in 2024. However, the drastic ball movement difference in Colorado compared to other ballparks can make it very difficult for Colorado hitters.
But McMahon was fairly even in his performances at home and away in 2024. He finished with 16 doubles and 11 home runs on the road compared to 12 and nine at home in 2024, respectively. If McMahon replicates his 2024 performance on the road, that will not be the main reason for another second-half slump. Instead, where the Rockies are in the standings could play a big factor.
The Rockies were nowhere near contention by the All-Star break the last two seasons. Since they are rebuilding, the second half was devoted to getting younger players as much development as possible. But McMahon plays every day, no matter what. Perhaps being surrounded by young, unproven players in the second half allowed opposing pitchers to focus more on him.
Outlook for McMahon Moving Forward
Ryan McMahon, during his career, has been an average hitter with a high ceiling and an elite defender. He has hit .243/.324/.422 with a career WAR of 15.0 over his eight seasons. In 2024, he hit .242/.325/.397. Perhaps the second-half slump is inevitable, and McMahon will continue to regress towards the mean after above-average first halves offensively. But in 2022, he hit .246/.306/.459 with 13 home runs and 26 RBI in the second half compared to .246/.341/.382 with seven home runs and 41 RBI in the first half.
While he never put up earth-shattering numbers, he gave the Rockies consistent, solid production all season. If he can do that in 2025, supplementing the young emerging stars in the Rockies lineup, it could do wonders for the overall outlook for McMahon and the Rockies offense.
Photo Credit: © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
