While Willson Contreras and Sean Murphy are the best catchers available for the season, St. Louis can. Louis Cardinals explore another option.
The St. Louis Cardinals won the National League Central title last season, but they were defeated in the Wild Card Series by the NFL’s reigning champion Philadelphia Phillies. The Cardinals watched two legends retire in first baseman Albert Pujols and catcher Yadier Molina.
Catcher is clearly St. Louis’ most pressing need, and there are two great options available. Former Chicago Cub Willson Contreras is the top option available in free agency, while the Oakland Athletics are open to trading Sean Murphy to any interested teams. In fact, the Cardinals have been linked to Murphy.
But what if those options are out of the question for the Cardinals? An option is available in James McCann of the New York Mets.
James McCann an attractive option for the Cardinals?
In the latest edition of “The Baseball Insiders” (13:00 mark)FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray said the Cardinals view McCann, but as a backup option. Murray also said that the Mets will likely have to eat some of his salary in the trade.
It is believed that McCann was available in this season. In fact, ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that the Texas Rangers could scout a trade for McCann, considering they just signed former Mets ace Jacob deGrom to a five-year, $185 million contract.
The former 2019 All-Star was one of the Mets’ biggest signings after the 2020 season, after Steve Cohen bought the team. McCann signed a four-year, $40.6 million contract.
In his two years with New York, McCann slugged . 220/. 282/. 328 while hitting 13 home runs, 64 RBI, and 121 hits over 182 games. McCann was limited to just 61 games last season due to a broken femur and oblique strain.
McCann’s defense and ability to call a game behind the plate has been heralded throughout his career. He’s been part of two career no-hitters — for Lucas Giolito’s no-hitter for the Chicago White Sox in 2020, and a no-hitter for the Mets this past April against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Contreras and Murphy are clearly the best pickup options out there for the season. But McCann should be a name to watch, especially when it comes to the Cardinals.
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