White Sox: James McCann provides team with much needed depth
By Ryan Sikes
The Chicago White Sox agreed to a one-year deal with catcher James McCann, who provides the team with some much-needed depth at the position.
When the Chicago White Sox agreed to a four-year, $73 million deal with free-agent catcher, Yasmani Grandal, it was a tremendous upgrade at the position but also raised the question where James McCann would fit in long-term? After all, the 29-year-old had a breakout season on the south side of town, batting .273 with 18 home runs and 60 RBI in 118 games. He and the team agreed to a one-year deal worth $5.4 million on Monday.
McCann played fantastic defense as well, recording a .992 fielding percentage and threw out 31 percent of base runners. The former Arkansas Razorback standout came up through the Detroit Tigers farm system, but the White Sox struck gold, signing him to a one-year deal before the 2019 season.
Welington Castillo figured to be the starter last year, but after batting .204 and .139 in April and May, respectively, McCann saw a sizeable increase in playing time. With the Grandal signing, McCann’s role remains a bit unclear, but the White Sox have several options to utilize him. Jose Abreu returned to the team on a three-year deal, and he figures to be the everyday first baseman.
Catcher James McCann and the Chicago White Sox have agreed on a one-year, $5.4 million deal, sources tell ESPN. A little more than a year ago, McCann was non-tendered by Detroit. He will be a free agent after the 2020 season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 2, 2019
The almost 33-year-old logged 125 games at first last season, so it would seem that the designated hitter position could be a viable option for McCann, a position that saw Yonder Alonso – designated for assignment on June 28 – record the most games at a year ago. Abreu had the second-most games at DH, so there is more than enough playing time for McCann to get regular at-bats.
However, the move likely signals the end of Zack Collins‘ time with the White Sox. The former 10th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft never materialized in the player the team had hoped, and it’s likely best for both parties to have a fresh start. Collins may end transition away from catching as his defense has been questionable at best, and his bat no longer justifies keeping him at the position.
dark. Next. Will Rick Renteria find himself on the hot seat in 2020?
For the White Sox, though, re-signing James McCann provides much-needed depth, not only at the position but bolsters the offense as the team looks to keep improving this offseason.