The Atlanta Braves have been in the market for another catcher this off-season, and it appears the team has its man. After much speculation surrounding a potential trade for J.T. Realmuto, the team announced Monday that Brian McCann is returning to Atlanta. McCann previously played with the club from 2005-13 before signing with the New York Yankees.
The Braves announced it was a one-year deal worth $2 million:
The #Braves today signed C Brian McCann to a one-year contract for the 2019 season: pic.twitter.com/XRiaFi7Qh0
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 26, 2018
Brian McCann returning to the Atlanta Braves
Background
There was a lot of noise this off-season that the Braves would pursue Realmuto via trade. Unfortunately, obtaining Realmuto from the Miami Marlins would have likely required a massive trade package. Atlanta could still pursue the top-tier catcher, but it now looks like the Braves will roll with McCann and Tyler Flowers for the 2019 season.
First Stop
McCann was a longtime fan-favorite during his first nine years in Atlanta. He was a seven-time All-Star with the Braves and captured five Silver Slugger Awards. McCann slashed .279/.351/.475 while averaging 20 home runs, 27 doubles, 122 hits, 53 runs scored, and 76 RBI for Atlanta.
His best year came in 2006 when he slashed .333/.388/.572 with 24 homers, 34 doubles, 61 runs scored, and 93 RBI in 130 games. McCann was truly the premier offensive catcher during his first run with the Braves with many wondering if he could produce a Hall of Fame resume.
Welcome home, BMac!#ChopOn pic.twitter.com/17gXejVqHn
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 26, 2018
American League Stint
Unfortunately for McCann, injuries have hindered his performance over the past five seasons. He did appear in at least 130 games with the Yankees each season from 2014-16, but McCann has not played in more than 97 games in a season since. Over five AL seasons with the Yankees and Houston Astros, McCann has averaged 19 home runs, 12 doubles, and 50 runs scored. The biggest drop has come in his slash line with numbers of .234/.314/.414 since the start of 2014. He was a key leader on Houston’s 2017 World Series team, but his offense is a far cry from what it once was.
What He Brings to the Table
Though not the offensive player he used to be, McCann is still well-respected as a leader and game-caller across Major League Baseball. That is reflected in Ken Rosenthal’s report that McCann turned down more lucrative offers to return to Atlanta:
McCann turned down more lucrative offers to return to #Braves. Agent B.B. Abbott: “Brian wanted an opportunity to play in his hometown for the team that drafted him and be with a club that he truly believes he can help get to the next level…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 26, 2018
McCann may not be the offensive force he once was. However, teaming up with Flowers will give the Braves a left-right platoon combination of two catchers respected for how they deal with pitchers. It is no secret that Atlanta has a loaded team and farm system of young arms, and McCann and Flowers look to play a big role in the development of those pitchers.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
