James McCann has taken over for Francisco Lindor as the target of true rage and angst from Mets fans.
The New York Mets are finally started to play as advertised. The team entered Wednesday with a 17-13 record and most importantly, Francisco Lindor is slowly starting to wake up on offense.
This turnaround means Mets fans can turn their attention elsewhere when searching for a player to complain about. It appears catcher James McCann has taken that role from Lindor.
Unsung hero in that 9th inning was McCann. Instead of hitting into his usual double play he instead struck out swinging on a pitch a foot outside and nearly in the dirt. Saved us an out. This game ball is for you.
— CluelessMickey (@CluelessMickeyC) May 12, 2021
Mets fans turn their angst toward James McCann
McCann was another big free agent signing for the Mets this past offseason. He showed up on a four-year, $40 million deal and so far is not living up to expectations.
James McCann has a .496 OPS now. Yeesh.
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) May 12, 2021
McCann has reached pitcher levels where you’re not even unhappy to see him K there because he didn’t GIDP
— Jarrett Seidler (@jaseidler) May 12, 2021
find someone who loves you like james mccann loves hitting into double plays
— our big beautiful stan account (@real_green_man) May 12, 2021
The catcher is batting .200 in 25 games and his .496 OPS is difficult to look at for too long. To be fair, Lindor is not doing that much better and his expectations are infinitely higher.
McCann is killing us right now at the plate. Nido needs more ABs right now
— Marc Luino (@GiraffeNeckMarc) May 12, 2021
Give me the defensive/catching stats that will make me feel better about McCann’s slow start at the plate. Make them up if you have to
— Clem (@TheClemReport) May 12, 2021
James McCann just get one clutch hit and you’re slander free for a week
— Phill (@MeekPhill_) May 9, 2021
The one thing fans must remember is that the team has only played 30 games. This point has been made nonstop about Lindor, so it may just be a case where Mets fans are ready to jump on any player who is struggling.
McCann’s top job is managing the pitching staff. He is only a career .247 hitter and his career-high in home runs for a season is the 18 he hit back in 2019. That was good enough for an All-Star Game berth, so fans must keep perspective.
So four years for James McCann, huh.
— Mike Axisa (@mikeaxisa) May 12, 2021
They likely won’t, but the warning is there to prevent too much angst from taking over.