The Mets appear well on their way to fulfilling one of their most pressing offseason needs.
New York has seriously engaged in talks with free-agent catcher James McCann, according to multiple sources, though no agreement was in place as of Wednesday afternoon. MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal reported that the sides were “getting close,” even as sources cautioned that nothing was complete. Rosenthal reported that a deal would be four years.
Earlier this morning, @martinonyc reported talks were serious. https://t.co/yNXF1gGS3B
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 9, 2020
Mets officials have not commented on the negotiations.
Widely regarded as the second-best option on the free-agent catching market, McCann, 30, enjoyed a career year after moving from the Tigers to the White Sox in 2019, batting .273/.328/.460 with 18 home runs. He made his first All-Star team that season, then followed it up with an even better offensive performance over 31 games in 2020 as he split time with Yasmani Grandal.
McCann has also posted positive metrics behind the plate the past two seasons, including 9 Defensive Runs Saved. He has made significant improvements to his pitch framing, which was an area of issue throughout former Mets catcher Wilson Ramos’ tenure with the team.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].