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Veteran Catcher a Viable Option for Many Teams

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Veteran catcher James McCann, who is coming off two solid seasons as a backup with the Baltimore Orioles, is hitting the free agent market.

McCann, 34, began his career with the Detroit Tigers, where he looked to be a star in the making. From there, he went to Chicago, where he made an All-Star Game with the White Sox, before signing a big contract with the New York Mets before the 2021 season. However, McCann could never get it going in New York and eventually was traded to the Orioles prior to the 2023 season. Over the last two years in Baltimore, McCann was primarily a backup and excelled in that role. Additionally, he was a great veteran leader on a young team, which is not an easily found trait.

Now, James McCann is looking for a home for 2025. Many teams should be interested in his services as both a catcher and a leader.

James McCann Free Agent Profile

McCann’s Time In Baltimore

After the Orioles acquired McCann, it was clear he was going to play the backup role to Adley Rutschman. However, that did not stop McCann from becoming a key part of the team’s two consecutive postseason runs.

During his two seasons in Baltimore, McCann played 69 and 65 games, respectively. He averaged a .228 batting average and a .656 OPS. Those numbers are not incredible, but they will do for a backup catcher.

McCann’s Leadership

Despite not playing every day or not being a top hitter, McCann was one of the loudest voices in the locker room.

Orioles reporter Roch Kubatko noted that one veteran player the Orioles traded for at the deadline noticed that “this is McCann’s clubhouse.” His leadership was noticeable on the diamond as well, whether he was high-fiving guys or talking them up. Additionally, McCann adds a lot of toughness to the team. This was brought to light when McCann’s nose was broken on a hit by pitch, and he stayed in the game afterward.

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This type of toughness and leadership was invaluable to all the Orioles’ young players.

Besides his on-the-field leadership, McCann is an excellent person off the field. He was the Orioles’ 2024 Roberto Clemente Award nominee, and in his two years in Baltimore, McCann helped the community in countless ways.

Potential Contract For McCann

During his second go-around in free agency, McCann will not be commanding another four-year, $40 million contract.

Spotrac projects that McCann will earn a one-year deal worth about $2.8 million. That is a fair price for McCann’s services, which extend on and off the field.

Where Will James McCann Land?

The Orioles should be working very hard to keep McCann in Baltimore. Rutschman is still a young catcher, and the leadership McCann provides for not only Rutschman but the whole clubhouse is invaluable. Also, top prospect Samuel Basallo, a catcher, is set to debut in 2025, and having McCann around him could help his growth.

Besides the Orioles, it’s tough to tell where else McCann could land. There are plenty of playoff-caliber teams who could use McCann’s leadership and toughness. But a rebuilding team with a young catcher could also try to copy the Orioles’ plan.

One rebuilding team that stands out is the Washington Nationals. They showed some spark in 2024, but could not get the offense going consistently. Adding McCann as a leader, helping out young catcher Keibert Ruiz in the process, could be an under-the-radar move that helps the Nationals make a playoff push.

 

Photo Credit: © Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

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