Former Mets player at the center of the latest sign the Orioles are collapsing

A lot of money is coming off the books for the New York Mets this offseason. Of it, the $9.5 million they’re still paying James McCann might be the biggest relief of all simply for how little he offered the team in his two seasons.

McCann had a very bad first year with the Mets in 2021 but in comparison to the abbreviated 2022 campaign when he hit .195 in only 191 games, it doesn’t look so bad. The Mets were able to trade him to the Baltimore Orioles after the 2022 season while being forced to pay a large portion of his contract. He has been the backup catcher in Baltimore these last two seasons, putting together so-so numbers at the plate.

On Wednesday, it was his defense that made headlines. In the top of the fourth with the bases loaded with San Francisco Giants, a routine play turned the tide of the game because McCann’s foot wasn’t on the plate.

Former Mets catcher James McCann had a blunder that further aided in his team’s collapse

The Orioles would end up losing this game. They’ve done a lot of that lately. DFA’ing Craig Kimbrel wasn’t the cure all for what ails them. Now 5 back of the New York Yankees with 10 to go, it’ll take a miracle for them to win the division. Instead, it looks like they’ll settle for a Wild Card berth.

Don’t settle into thinking the game will take place at Camden Yards either. The Orioles are only 2.5 ahead of the Kansas City Royals. The fascinating AL Wild Card race includes the Minnesota Twins with a half-game lead over the suddenly relevant Detroit Tigers. They are only a half-game behind Minnesota. To put it in a different perspective; the Tigers are closer to the playoffs than the Atlanta Braves.

McCann’s poor foot placement led to the fourth straight loss for the Orioles. They are now 2-8 in their last 10 in comparison to the Yankees who’ve gone 7-3 and basically ran away with the AL East.

While the Mets are getting hot at the right time, the Orioles have gone ice cold. A team once viewed as one of the favorites in the American League will be limping into the postseason.