Mets: Three James McCann predictions for the 2021 season

James McCann becomes a Mets leader in the clubhouse and with the pitching staff

The above image is of perennial all-star Gary Carter. The young Mets team of the mid-80s were bolstered by the leadership of Keith Hernandez when he joined the fray. However, it could be said that the whole team dynamic really changed when they brought in veteran and future Hall of Famer Gary Carter.

Not only was Carter a leader, but also a high caliber catcher who commanded the respect and utmost hustle of everyone around him. He took that young unproven pitching staff of Dwight Gooden, Ron Darling, Sid Fernandez, and Bobby Ojeda and turned them into studs.

James McCann has a chance to set that tone as a new member of the New York Mets. As previously stated, he has more tools behind the plate than almost any catcher they’ve had back there in years.

In watching him in his early interviews on SNY and MLB Network, he is poised, calm, and confident. He is eager to help his teammates improve, one example being Steven Matz. He has caught the likes of Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, David Price, and Rick Porcello. All four of these pitchers have won the Cy Young award. Now he’ll catch Jacob deGrom, who should have no problem with pitching to him.

Just from hearing him speak, you can tell that he is beloved by his teammates and has this calming David Wright like presence.

Hopefully, McCann will be that Carter/Wright type of character for the Mets in 2021.