Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: McCann Rumors Won’t Stop
Latest On Brian McCann, Braves
CONNOR BYRNE / MLB TRADE RUMORS
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With red-hot prospect Gary Sanchez in the midst of taking over the Yankees’ starting catcher role, an offseason deal sending veteran Brian McCann back to Atlanta is a legitimate possibility, writes Randy Miller of NJ.com. In theory, the teams could work out a deal sometime this season, as McCann cleared trade waivers two weeks ago. At the time, FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees and Braves engaged in McCann-related discussions prior to the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline.
Atlanta likes the idea of adding the 32-year-old McCann as a leader of a young team, Heyman reported. Further, general manager John Coppolella told Jim Bowden of Sirius XM on Sunday that, along with finding a manager and upgrading his club’s rotation, improving at catcher will be a high priority during the offseason (Twitter link).
Editors notes: Just stop it. Right here; right now.
First of all, McCann is definitely not going to be the first target for the Braves. Maybe not even the 2nd or 3rd.
He’s going to DH for the Yankees. He will be 33 as Spring Training camps start up in 2017. He has 2 more guaranteed contract years ($34 million) plus a team/vesting option year and a full no-trade clause.
It is that clause that the aforementioned Randy Miller wrote about, suggesting this obvious bit:
"There were hot rumors just before this year’s July 31 trade deadline that the Braves wanted McCann back to help sell tickets for their move to a new ballpark next season. Nothing happened, but look for this to get done after the season, although the Yankees surely will have to pay most of the remaining money and perhaps a $15 million club option for 2019, too, to get McCann to agree to a deal."
Yes – the buyout price of the no-trade clause would likely be that 2019 option. Now his price becomes $49 million for 3 years.
The Yankees aren’t going to spend that much to get rid of him and the Braves certainly are not taking that much commitment for a 1-2 WAR player
Yes: Brian is still a decent catcher. But he’s no longer the hitter he once was – except in Yankee stadium. Brooks Baseball currently describes him thusly:
"Against Fastballs (855 seen), he has had a steady approach at the plate (0.05 c) with a league average likelihood to swing and miss (15% whiff/swing). When he connects (125 tracked), he generates average power (89.5 mph average exit velocity) and is a pull hitter (10.1° average spray angle). Against Breaking Pitches (445 seen), he has had a patient approach at the plate (0.24 c) with a league average likelihood to swing and miss (30% whiff/swing). When he connects (48 tracked), he generates average power (83.6 mph average exit velocity) and often pulls the ball (17° average spray angle)."
His spray chart over the past 2 years explains why teams shift on McCann so much. He can hardly help himself.
This is why he hit .232 in 2014… and .232 in 2015…. and .232 currently in 2016; even with increasing BABIP rates. He hits .364 when no shift is employed; .250 when it is.
Perhaps MLBTR should have quoted this fangraphs post from earlier last week.
Next: Freddie's Finger Forces him to Forgo Finale
It’s title? “Brian McCann Probably Couldn’t Be Given Away For Free”. So let’s stop with this ‘McCann to the Braves?’ talk. That ship sailed – and the Yankees might have missed their one opportunity.