Atlanta Braves Catching: Four Trade Targets
By Fred Owens
Brian McCann
The probability that Brian McCann returns to the Braves is small. His contract, age and declining bat are part of it but there’s more to it than that.
McCann earns $17M each of the next two seasons. His $15M 2019 salary vests if he reaches 1,000 PAs in the next two years, catches 90 games in 2018 and is not on the DL at the end of 2018.
He may get close to the 1000 PA but he isn’t going to catch 90 games in 2018, Gary Sanchez ended that hope. That means the Yankees save $15M and have no incentive to take back salary as the Braves asked in talks this summer. .
Even if the Braves were willing to accept that contract, McCann plays at 33 next year and wants a World Series Ring.
His full no trade clause allows him to sit tight in New York hoping that they make the post season or choose to accept a trade to a team that will.
He clearly has no intention of returning to Atlanta as he recently put his home in Atlanta up for sale.
I’d suggest that indicates his next team will not be the Braves. What about some younger players who wouldn’t mind a move?