The New York Yankees may or may not trade their catcher/DH
Brian McCann this winter but let’s pretend that they will. Let’s also pretend
that I have a crystal ball and I know where he’s going to go but before we do
that let’s look at some potential landing spots for McCann this winter if and
when the Yankees decide to move him.
Even in a down year McCann was one of the best offensive
catchers in Major League Baseball in 2016 and in the wake of the Wilson Ramos
injury the market for McCann should be a significant one led likely by his
former team, the Atlanta Braves. The Braves have an obvious need for a veteran
catcher and a new stadium they need to put butts in, why not bring back one of
their own to fill both roles? They have the prospects to do it and they have
shown a willingness to take on bad contracts so this seems like the likeliest
of choices.
Along with Atlanta is the Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies,
Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Washington Nationals as
potential suitors but common sense would likely drop that list down by a
couple. The Yankees seem unwilling to pay down McCann’s salary unless
substantial prospects come back in return which would likely leave teams like
Colorado, the Angels and maybe even Houston out with Seattle riding the line
between contender and pretender. One team that has a serious shot at acquiring
McCann though could be Washington, again especially after the injury to Wilson
Ramos.
It will all come down to one simple fact though in the end.
McCann has a full no-trade clause. Is he going to want to waive it to play for
Colorado, Houston, Seattle or Los Angeles? Not likely. Is he going to be
willing to waive it to play in Washington? Possibly, a return to the National
League East would be enticing and so would a shot at a World Series in 2017.
Would he waive his NTC to return home to Atlanta? You have to think he would,
100%.
Amazon just delivered the crystal ball. Where is McCann
going? My guess, Atlanta.
