Catcher Brian McCann is one of the winter’s top prizes
By Jake Misener
It’s hard to tell just how many teams will seek Atlanta Braves’ catcher Brian McCann’s services this winter, according to a report by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Teams expected to be vying for the former National League All-Star include the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago White Sox.
According to Heyman, the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies are rumored to have interest, as well, but he doubts Colorado’s ability to afford McCann, who could receive a deal as large as $100 million, and the Giants are set at catcher with former NL MVP Buster Posey and at first with Brandon Belt.
Atlanta is essentially guaranteed to let McCann walk this winter, according to the report, due to the fact that the team has to remain conscious of payroll and has two alternative options behind the plate: rookie standout Evan Gattis, who hit 21 homers and drove in 65 runs this season in only 105 games, and “defensive whiz” Christian Bethancourt.
McCann hit .256 this season for Atlanta, adding 20 home runs and 57 RBIs.