Coming off his least productive season to date in 2018, Brian McCann will be hoping for a bounce-back year with his hometown Atlanta Braves in 2019. The 35-year old catcher will also be seeking to return to full strength in the 2019 campaign. As much of his struggles in 2018 were due to knee troubles. McCann has been sidelined much of the past two seasons with this injury. But, McCann believes he is fully healed and will look to be a vital part of helping bring back a World Series title to Atlanta.
Brian McCann Looking to Return to Form
The Return
There was no doubt the Braves needed catching help after Kurt Suzuki signed with the divisional rival Washington Nationals. The Braves would then go on to test out the J.T. Realmuto trade market, before ultimately determining the Marlins were asking too steep of a price. The Braves then decided it was time to bring back their former beloved All-Star. Signing McCann to a very team-friendly 1-year deal worth $2 million.
Atlanta was not only McCann’s hometown but also the city where he spent his first nine Major League seasons. He was a seven-time All-Star and made a name for himself as one of the best all-around catchers in MLB in his first tenure with the Braves. For McCann, this was a dream come true to sign back with his former hometown organization. “It feels right,” he said, over and over again.
With such a young squad, the Braves will get the veteran presence and leadership that McCann brings to the table as well as his catching experience. Which was one of the main reasons that attracted Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos to bring McCann back to Atlanta. Something that will translate into an extraordinary boost for the inexperienced pitching staff.
Who says you can’t go home? ?#ChopOn pic.twitter.com/OkpnwptHik
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 26, 2018
Hot Start in Spring Training
One of Atlanta’s main concerns was the possible lack of offense due to McCann’s previous knee issues. But McCann says that he is back to full strength after undergoing arthroscopic surgery last year and being able to get back in the weight room this off-season.
All signs so far in Spring Training seem to point in the direction of McCann being healthy. As his offensive numbers have been spectacular this Spring. He has slashed for a .368 average and has an OBP of .455. But the most eye-catching stat is McCann has only one strikeout in 22 at-bats. If he can carry this stellar performance from Spring Training into the regular season, he’s going to make the Braves that much more dangerous in the NL East.
Back in No. 16
It will be a familiar feeling for Braves Country when fan-favorite “B-Mac” takes the field this season wearing number 16. Braves utility infielder Charlie Culberson wore McCann’s number in 2018, but Culberson knew how much it meant to McCann and gladly gave it back to him. McCann was grateful and thanked Culberson, saying, “I have to get him something nice. That number means a lot to me. That’s the number I wore my first nine years. It’s special.”
So far in 2019, it all feels right for McCann. Being reunited with his hometown team, and donning his former number. As well as looking to bounce-back offensively and aid in the return of a much elusive Atlanta championship.
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