The Red Sox could easily have highly rated prospect Kyle Teel split catching duties with Connor Wong next season.
But it appears the Red Sox could go in a different direction.
With Danny Jansen departing for the Tampa Bay Rays in free agency last week, it leaves an opening at the backup catcher spot, and the Red Sox reportedly are eyeing another veteran backstop for the role.
“Sources: Red Sox are looking at James McCann as they ramp up their efforts for a backup catcher,” MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported Tuesday. “At least four teams believed to be serious.”
McCann is an 11-year MLB veteran and spent the last two seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. He’s also suited up for the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox and New York Mets in his career.
The 34-year-old catcher made the move to a full-time backup three seasons ago and batted .234 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs in 65 games with the Orioles last season. His offensive production was similar the season prior to that after hitting a career-worst .195 in 2022 with the Mets. McCann’s best season came in 2019 with the White Sox when he hit .273 with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs to earn All-Star honors.
McCann is solid defensively behind the dish as he caught 34.1% of base stealers in 2023, which led the league. He did commit a career-high eight errors this past season, though.
There’s certainly no questioning McCann’s toughness. He took a 95 mph fastball to the face in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays this past season and stayed in the game. He’s also lauded for his leadership and being a good teammate, making him still a coveted player despite his diminished skill set during the late stages of his career.
Adding McCann would allow the Red Sox to take their time calling up Teel, who only has one full season of professional baseball under his belt after being drafted 14th overall in 2023. Teel hit .255 with two home runs and 18 RBIs in 28 games with Triple-A Worcester last season.
Boston’s reported interest in McCann just might signal that they want Teel to get more seasoning before handing the catching reins over to their prized prospect.
