According to FanSided, the Atlanta Braves have reached an agreement on a minor-league contract with catcher James McCann. The veteran journeyman most recently played for the Baltimore Orioles.
McCann is an experienced veteran with over 3,000 career at-bats. He holds a lifetime batting average of .241, along with 92 home runs and 373 RBIs.
McCann earned All-Star honors during the 2019 season while playing for the Chicago White Sox. He has also spent time with the New York Mets and Detroit Tigers.
Last season, he played in 65 games for the Orioles, recording eight home runs, 31 RBIs, and one stolen base.
The Braves’ Opening Day is set for March 27, and McCann will have an opportunity to make the roster. According to ESPN, he will earn $1 million if he joins the big-league squad.
Braves are needing depth at catcher
The Braves are facing injuries at the catcher position, with Sean Murphy on the injured list due to a cracked rib. McCann will provide additional depth as the season approaches.
For now, Chadwick Tromp is expected to be the starting catcher. With spring training winding down for most teams, MLB’s Opening Day is set for Tuesday, though most clubs, including the Braves, won’t play until March 27.
The Braves are aiming for a strong 2025 season but will need to rack up wins to stay competitive with the New York Mets, who made a major offseason move by signing Juan Soto. The Mets reached the NLCS in 2024.
Last season, Atlanta secured 89 wins and was the final National League team to clinch a postseason spot. However, their playoff run was short-lived, as San Diego swept them in the Wild Card series.
The Braves will face the New York Yankees in a spring training game on Wednesday before opening their season against the San Diego Padres on March 27.
