The New York Mets are very close to securing their starting catcher. After deciding not to trigger Wilson Ramos’ club option for 2021, they went after the big fish in free agency: J.T. Realmuto and James McCann. While the former is said to be looking for $200 million (he probably won’t get that much but is expected to command more than $100 million) the latter is viewed as the second-best catching option in the market.
While it is not a done deal yet, the New York Mets are about to sign McCann to a four-year deal, according to Andy Martino of SNY. If he agrees to go to Queens, he would slide ahead of Tomas Nido as the starting catcher in New York.
Ever since they took over the Mets, new owner Steve Cohen and president Sandy Alderson have made it clear that they want to compete and make the club relevant again. So far, the only major signing has been reliever Trevor May, but they have been connected to other top-tier free agents such as pitchers Trevor Bauer and Liam Hendriks and center fielder George Springer.
If he signs, he will be a quality addition for the Mets
As of the end of Wednesday, a deal remained close between McCann and the Mets, per a Martino report on early Thursday. He says that everything could still fall apart, but that the negotiations were at the five-yard line on Wednesday night and it “won’t take much” to get a deal done “soon.”
The main stumbling block was the four years, but the Mets made it clear that they are willing to go there. A deal could be announced soon despite the reported interest of the Los Angeles Angels.
McCann is an asset on offense and defense. In the shortened 2020 season, McCann slashed .289/.360/.536 with a .378 wOBA and a 144 wRC+. It’s very likely that his true talent level is closer to what he achieved in 2019 (.273/.328/.460, .333 wOBA, 109 wRC+) but in any case, he’s now an above-average offensive performer in addition to his good glove and framing skills.