The New York Mets and free agent catcher James McCann have come to terms on a four-year deal that will land the 30-year-old in Queens, per MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. The deal is worth more than $40 million.
McCann hit .289/.360/.536 with a 144 OPS+, seven home runs, and 15 RBI in 31 games for the Chicago White Sox last season.
His career gained momentum in 2019 after going .273/.328/.460. He was named an All-Star after a hot first half where he went .316/.371/.5-2. For the 2019 season he recorded 18 home runs and 60 RBI.
While his bat is impressive and will be welcomed in the Mets’ lineup, McCann is strong behind the plate. He is known to be an excellent framer, sitting in the 88th percentile. McCann is quick behind the plate and has a strong arm, resulting in a 35.88% caught-stealing percentage.
The signing is crucial, considering the Mets declined the 2021 team option on Wilson Ramos, leaving the team with Tomás Nido and Ali Sánchez to choose from. Free agency rumors linked the Mets with Phillies’ catcher J.T. Realmuto, but McCann quickly emerged as the team’s top catching prospect.
More moves are expected to be made by Steve Cohen and the Mets this offseason, as talks with outfielder George Springer have heated up and Trevor Bauer decides where he wants to land.
(Photo: Paul Sancya/AP)
