Reports: Braves sign C James McCann to a minor league deal
Aug 17, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann (27) throws the ball during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images The Atlanta Braves agreed to a minor league contract with catcher James McCann, per multiple media reports on Monday.
The 11-year veteran provides added depth behind the plate, as Braves starter Sean Murphy opens the campaign on the injured list with a cracked left rib. Outside of Murphy, Chadwick Tromp is the only catcher on the team's 40-man roster.
The Braves had two other veteran non-roster catchers in camp, but they released Curt Casali on Monday, the same day they reassigned Sandy Leon to their minor league camp. The season-opening backup to Tromp could be either McCann or 23-year-old prospect Drake Baldwin.
Over his career, McCann has played for the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, and Baltimore Orioles. He was an All-Star for Chicago in 2019, posting 18 home runs and 60 RBIs with a .273 batting average.
The 34-year-old has not quite recaptured those heights, but he was a solid backstop for the Orioles over the past two seasons. In 2024, he appeared in 65 games, recording eight home runs and 31 RBIs with a .234/.279/.388 slash line.
--Field Level Media
- MLB Playoff Betting Guide: Divisional Round Odds, Analysis, and Predictions
- MLB Wild Card Game 3 Best Bets: Best Picks for Thursday Elimination Games
- 49ers vs. Rams Thursday Night Football Week 5 Betting Predictions
- MLB Wild Card Game 2 Predictions: Tigers vs. Guardians, Padres vs. Cubs
- MLB Wild Card Game 1 Predictions: Red Sox vs. Yankees, Dodgers vs. Reds
- Best MLB Wild Card Bets: Pitcher Props, Underdogs, and Home Run Props
- MLB Playoff Picks Tuesday: Best Bets for September 30 Wild Card Games