Mets Rumors: James McCann has the Amazins’ undivided attention

From the latest New York Mets rumors the organization is actively pursuing free agent catcher James McCann among three other potential suitors.

With the calendar changing to the month of December, the New York Mets rumors are beginning to heat up. The latest Mets rumor to begin that has fans percolating with excitement involves free-agent catcher James McCann. MLB Insider Jon Heyman tweeted out Monday morning that James McCann has received interest from the Mets among three other teams.

The organization is expected to be one of the most active teams on the catching market this winter and there have already been previous Mets rumors circulating around Yadier Molina and J.T. Realmuto. Heyman’s tweet further strengthens the stance that the Mets are currently active in the search of their potential starting catcher for next season, and this also represents the first real public interest being displayed by the organization in the 30-year old catcher.

It has also been reported by SNY Reporter Andy Martino that the Mets are more actively involved in McCann rather than Realmuto at the moment according to his sources outside of the organization. It’s a bit of a stunning development as many around the league peg Realmuto and the Mets as the best potential fit this offseason. It’s also a bit concerning in terms of Realmuto’s leverage on receiving his current asking price this winter, as he undoubtedly needs the Mets involved to be able to drive up the bidding on his services.

This doesn’t go without saying that the Mets will be facing plenty of competition for McCann’s services in 2021 as the Yankees, Cardinals, and Angels are among the teams in the running for the former White Sox catcher. You could also potentially throw the Phillies in that mix as many around the league believe the Phillies will be unable to meet Realmuto’s price tag.

McCann is currently entrenched firmly as the number two catcher on the free-agent market behind J.T. Realmuto, and he will cost the organization significantly less in terms of dollars and years. In 2020, McCann built off his 2019 All-Star campaign by slugging .289 with seven home runs and 15 RBI’s with a .896 OPS in 31 games while splitting time with Yasmani Grandal behind the plate.

This is one of the significant Mets rumors to keep an eye on over the next several days, as, despite the organization not currently possessing a General Manager, it has not stopped Team President Sandy Alderson from communicating with potential free-agent additions this winter. I would not be surprised if the Mets are involved sooner rather than later in locking up their free-agent targets despite the recent struggles of hiring a General Manager.