James McCann is perhaps the symbol of the revamped New York Mets. He is proof that the new administration, led by owner Steve Cohen and president Sandy Alderson, isn’t afraid to pounce on an opportunity to improve the team. His four-year, $40 million deal to take over as the starting catcher shows the league that the Mets aren’t messing around.
The newcomer had officially been introduced by the Mets on Thursday in a Zoom conference call. On Friday, though, he addressed the fans on a social media post, and made it clear that the only thing on his mind is winning multiple World Series championships in Queens.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to become a part of the Mets organization and for the honor to represent the city of New York,†McCann wrote in a statement. “I am thankful for my family’s never-ending support and for all the fans who have rooted me on in my career.
“With that being said, there is one thing on my mind moving forward: NEW YORK METS WORLD SERIES TITLES. That is the goal and will remain the most important goal. You will not find a harder worker of someone who is more prepared. You won’t find a better teammate or someone more proud to wear a Mets uniform.â€
The Mets are getting a good one
Some of McCann’s new Mets teammates have written welcome messages on Twitter, including starting pitcher Marcus Stroman. And he has a very strong rapport with Steven Matz and Brad Brach, as they have worked together in the past and, in the case of Matz, this offseason.
McCann has broken out in the last two seasons with the Chicago White Sox. He was a member of the All-Star team in 2019, and the Mets are certainly hoping he can keep the form that made him land such a lucrative deal. In 2019 and 2020, he has batted .276/.334/.474 with 25 home runs and 75 RBI with strong defense behind the plate.
“The day I get to put on that Mets jersey for the first time cannot come soon enough,†said McCann. “Let’s go Mets!â€