The offseason has just started and there are already rumors flying all over the place in New York. The Yankees are shopping catcher Brian McCann and have found a potential trade partner, according to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News. Now, whether a trade gets done or not remains to be seen. It is early and rumors tend to have some extra giddy-up in the beginning of the offseason. And, teams often do not like to pull the trigger on bigger moves such as this one early in the offseason.
Having said that, McCann’s days with the Yankees could be numbered. Well, McCann’s days were really numbered the moment Gary Sanchez – seemingly overnight – seized his starting role. However, heading into the offseason it was unclear whether or not McCann would still be a Yankee in 2017. There were rumors at last years trade deadline that the Braves, who are moving into a new stadium, are interested in bringing McCann, a hometown player, back. Those rumors never transpired into anything more than chatter. While the Braves are still a possibility, Feinsand suggested that the Astros are interested in acquiring McCann. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports confirmed the Astros interest in McCann:
#Astros indeed interested in #Yankees C/DH Brian McCann, source confirms. @KenDavidoff and @FeinsandNYDN mentioned Houston possibility 1st.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 10, 2016
There are some who think, despite Sanchez’s presence, that McCann can be valuable player for the Yankees in 2017. He provides power from the left-handed side of the plate and has the ability to both DH and, more importantly, catch at a high-level to keep Sanchez from being overworked. Nonetheless, the Yankees would love to get rid of some — if not all — of the $34 million dollars they owe McCann over the next two seasons. Trading McCann would also provide the Yankees with greater flexibility heading into free agency. In addition to shedding salary, dealing McCann would allow the Yankees to go after a free agent to fill the vacated DH spot. It has already been reported that the Yankees have contacted Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, and Kendrys Morales. Whether or not the Yankees are truly interested in any of the three players or just doing their due diligence is unknown. With McCann on the roster, however, pursuing any of these three players makes little to no sense. However, if the Yankees were to deal McCann, signing one of these players not only becomes more realistic, but it also would make more sense.
The offseason is just beginning, but nothing is ever quiet when it comes to the Yankees. Okay, last offseason was fairly quiet (they did not sign a single free agent). Can the Yankees really go two straight years without dipping into the free agent market? It is possible, but unlikely. Trading McCann would make it that much likelier that the Yankees look to free agency to fill out their roster.
Photo: Danny Wild / USA Today Sports
It’s a real shame Tex broke down like he did. If he’d stayed healthy his switch hitting bat would be the PERFECT DH for the next couple of years.
Contrary to much thinking, McCanns numbers are horrible for a DH. 20hrs in Yankee stadium for a left hander is nothing to brag about. Hell most 2nd basemen hit 20 last year! Great guy apparently but he’s way overpaid if he’ s not playing every day. And his taking AB’s away from developing (ascending!) players is just plain stupid.
If we don’t sign a legit vet bat threat then rotating Byrd, Sanchez, Judge and Tyler Austin between the field and DH would be fine with me.
I would prefer to keep McCann than pay the same amount for Edwin or Bautista. Having a switch hitting catcher/DH seems much More valuable than a DH/1b or DH/OF