Cardinals next catcher might not be Willson Contreras or Sean Murphy

While Willson Contreras and Sean Murphy are the top catchers available this offseason, the St. Louis Cardinals could explore another option.

The St. Louis Cardinals won the National League Central last season, but were swept in the Wild Card Series by the eventual NL champion Philadelphia Phillies. The Cardinals watched two legends retire in first baseman Albert Pujols and catcher Yadier Molina.

Catcher is obviously the most pressing need for St. Louis, and there are two big 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? There is an option available in James McCann of the New York Mets.

James McCann a catching option for the Cardinals?

On the latest edition of “The Baseball Insiders” (13:00 mark), FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray said the Cardinals are looking at McCann, but as a backup option. Murray also said that the Mets will probably have to eat some of his salary in a trade.

McCann is believed to be available this offseason. In fact, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that the Texas Rangers could explore 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’ big signings after the 2020 season, after Steve Cohen purchased the team. McCann signed on a four-year, $40.6 million contract.

In his two years with New York, McCann slashed .220/.282/.328 while recording 13 home runs, 64 RBI, and 121 hits through 182 games. McCann was limited to just 61 games last season due to a broken hamate bone and an oblique strain.

McCann’s defense and the ability to call a game behind the plate has been heralded throughout his career. He was part of two no-hitters in his career — for Lucas Giolito’s no-no with the Chicago White Sox in 2020, and the Mets’ no-hitter this past April against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Obviously, Contreras and Murphy are the top catching options available this offseason. But McCann should be a name to keep an eye on, especially when it comes to the Cardinals.