Mets: Three sneaky free agent moves that can improve the Mets in 2021

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 12: James McCann #33 of the Chicago White Sox throws a baseball during the game against the Detroit Tigers at at Comerica Park on August 12, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The White Sox defeated the Tigers 7-5. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 12: James McCann #33 of the Chicago White Sox throws a baseball during the game against the Detroit Tigers at at Comerica Park on August 12, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The White Sox defeated the Tigers 7-5. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Mets
CHICAGO – SEPTEMBER 11: James McCann #33 of the Chicago White Sox walks in from the bullpen prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers on September 11, 2020 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images) /

Catcher James McCann

Many baseball insiders around the league are predicting a high price bidding war this winter between the Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies for catcher J.T. Realmuto. While many can assume that Realmuto could wind up with the highest bidder, there is still no guarantee that he could leave Philadelphia, the place where he has called home the last two seasons.

If Realmuto does not pan out in the Mets plans this winter for whatever reason, there is a solid backup plan in current Chicago White Sox catcher James McCann. The 30-year old McCann may be one of the most under-appreciated players in baseball and could do well for himself this winter with his bat finally catching up to his great defense over the past couple of seasons.

McCann is highly regarded around the league for his defense and many wondered if his bat would ever be able to catch up to his glove. That transition has occurred with McCann having a .288 batting average and 0.848 OPS between the past two seasons with the White Sox. Also with the White Sox signing catcher Yasmani Grandal last offseason, you can bet that McCann will be looking for a starting catcher situation next spring after his offensive breakout over the past two seasons.

Both McCann and Realmuto will be 30-years old at the beginning of next season, and they both also are around the same exact OPS mark over the past two seasons. If the Mets want to throw more money at Trevor Bauer, they could certainly sign the former All-Star in McCann who would still provide the Mets with an upgrade at the catching position both offensively as well as defensively while allocating money towards other needs.