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Atlanta Braves: Catching platoon just keeps on producing

By Daniel Rasmussen

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 17: Brian McCann #16 of the Atlanta Braves hits a two-run double in the second inning during the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at SunTrust Park on April 17, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 17: Brian McCann #16 of the Atlanta Braves hits a two-run double in the second inning during the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at SunTrust Park on April 17, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 20: Brian  McCann #16 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Ender  Inciarte #11 after hitting a solo home run off Corey  Kluber #28 of the Cleveland Indians during the seventh inning of Game 1 of a doubleheader at Progressive Field on April 20, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Braves 8-4. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 20: Brian  McCann #16 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Ender  Inciarte #11 after hitting a solo home run off Corey  Kluber #28 of the Cleveland Indians during the seventh inning of Game 1 of a doubleheader at Progressive Field on April 20, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Braves 8-4. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /

Mac Attack

Again, it’s a small sample to this point, but as the other side of the Braves’ catching coin, Brian McCann has put up some eye-popping numbers in his own right.

He served time on the injured list for 10 days due to a hamstring strain, but here’s what B-Mac has produced in 15 games so far in 2019, stats from Fangraphs:

  • .320/.410/.500 triple slash line (BA, OBP, SLG)
  • .910 OPS (on-base plus slugging)
  • 137 wRC+
  • 0.6 fWAR
  • 14 RBI (an average of nearly a run driven in for each game appeared in)

Statcast data also speaks highly to McCann’s homecoming year in Atlanta. B-Mac’s profile shows that he’s barreled 8.9% of his batted balls, a higher rate than any he’s had the last several years.

While not as elite of a pitch-framer as his platoon-mate Tyler Flowers, McCann has been solid in that category, too, currently ranking in the 65th percentile among catchers, according to Statcast.

There’s also the longstanding reputation of Brian McCann as a true clubhouse leader, which goes back to his initial several years with the Atlanta Braves.

That leadership ability is a trait that should not be taken lightly, especially given the Braves roster makeup, largely consisted of twenty-somethings who are trying to find their way at the big-league level.

Atlanta was probably said to be making a gamble by investing their trust in a declining McCann, who only played in 63 games a season ago due to injuries.

So far – admittedly early – McCann is proving himself as a rejuvenated player who is happy to be back at home, taking part in a catching platoon that is among the best there is in the majors.

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