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MLB Trade Rumors: Braves interested in Brian McCann

By Dave Stevenson

Jun 9, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann (34) hits an RBI double during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann (34) hits an RBI double during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Could the Atlanta Braves be interested in acquiring an old friend in New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann?

Related Story: 5 Trades the Braves Should Make

The Atlanta Braves are currently undergoing a huge rebuild. It is working quite well, as they have purged unwanted players from their roster and have an impressive farm system. However, their catching depth is quite weak, even in the minors. To fix that, the Braves reportedly have interest in an old friend: New York Yankees catcher (and former Brave) Brian McCann.

While the Braves are a rebuilding team, acquiring McCann makes some sense for the Atlanta. Even their best catching prospect is years away from making an impact. He is due $34 million through 2018 and has a $15 million team option in 2019, so the Braves would definitely need the Yankees to pay for some of that. Assuming the Yankees eat some of McCann’s remaining contract, the Braves have the prospect depth to be able to acquire him for a reasonable price.

McCann would serve as an excellent placeholder for the Braves and perhaps help sell more tickets, since McCann was a fan favorite in Atlanta. He is still a very productive hitter and solid behind the plate, so why are the Yankees interested in trading him? Because they have Gary Sanchez in the minors, who has quickly become one of the top catching prospects in baseball. The Yankees are also looking to drop big contracts from the team, perhaps to have the ability to spend in free agency and help their rebuild.

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