The New York Yankees and catcher Bran McCann are reportedly close on a five-year deal worth $85 million. There is also a 6th year that is a vesting/option year. The contract was first reported by Foxsports’ Ken Rosenthal.
McCann was a highly sought after free agent after having anther solid season in Atlanta. Although he only played 102 games due to injury, he had 20 home runs and 57 RBIs while putting up a .256 batting average, .336 OBP and slugged .461. His BA, OBP, SLG, and OPS all are up from the previous year.
The Yankees have unquestionably needed a catcher of McCann’s caliber for quite some time. Although the $85 million price tag stings a bit, he’s a reliable bat and its not a stretch to think has two or three more years left behind the plate. He has the type of power numbers where he can eventually be moved to first base or DH as well, which certainly helps with this kid of commitment.
McCann is still just 29 years old, which works well with the five-year deal. With the off-season to get healthy, he will certainly arrive at Yankees training camp with high expectations.
Going forward, the Yankees have more moves to make. If this were to be the only big signing of the off-season, it would be a disappointment, as many fans (including me) have their eyes set on Japanese super-pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. However, this signing undoubtedly bolsters the lineup, and fills the gap at catcher, the Yankees just have to hope that they don’t get burned at the second half of this deal.
Another team in the mix for the Former Braves catcher was the Colorado Rockies, but the asking price was believed to be too high.
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