Free agent Brian McCann is preparing for a two week stint where he will visit every team interested in him. Since it is essentially a foregone conclusion that the catcher will not be re-signing with the Atlanta Braves, he is letting teams know just how flexible he is willing to be in order to get paid. Already 30, McCann is expressing interest in switching positions in order to land a top-dollar deal.
McCann's agent B.B. Abbott told WEEI that his client would consider playing some first base and being a designated hitter for teams showing interest, but might be concerned with his age. McCann certainly has a lot of miles on him having played catcher his entire career for the Braves. If teams are concerned about longevity and injuries, McCann is making it known he can be moved around.
"I think it's attractive that that's an option out there for him. I think in the very near future, over the next several years, for sure, that he envisions himself being primarily a catcher and then having the ability to stay in the lineup for an additional 50-75 more plate appearances potentially in another role, whether with a National League team at first base or with an American League team at first base and/or DH. He gets it. He understands that his bat is what is the driving force behind this, but he takes pretty great pride in what he does behind the plate and he wants this to be a focus in this as well."
McCann does have a decent bat. He is almost a lock to hit at least 20 home runs a season. He batted .256 last season while averaging 21 home runs in his seven years in the majors. Abbott stresses that there is not a timetable for when McCann will sign but he plans to only take two weeks to visit interested teams.
As it appears, the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers have the best shot at landing McCann and offering the best contract. According to Fox Sports South, those two teams will throw the most money at McCann and Atlanta will simply not be able to afford to stay in the hunt. MLB analyst Brian Jordan believes the Texas Rangers could be the best option for the catcher. He thinks McCann can flourish there considering he is a leader, but is also very laidback. New York might be too high-profiled for him.
"I've seen too many guys come to the big city and not be able to handle it," Jordan said.
