The Atlanta Braves are done with their offseason moves, but now, they have a very big decision to make at the conclusion of the 2013 season. To re-sign or not to resign catcher Brian McCann? That is the question the Braves will have to answer throughout the year and at the conclusion the upcoming season.
McCann was extended at the conclusion of 2012. He is set to make $12 million for the most in his career during a single season. McCann is the most consistent catcher in baseball despite missing some time in the past few years due to injuries.
In 2012, it was his back and in 2010 and 2011 he struggled due to eye problems. However, McCann is an example for young catchers as he's never suffered a horrific injury behind the plate.
With the bat, McCann is still one of the best hitting catchers in the game averaging about 20 home runs and 70 RBI per season. He's an eight-year veteran and is attractive to many other teams around the majors.
The Braves might have to release McCann at the conclusion of this season since he is set to earn a fat paycheck. He's been with the Braves his entire career and made a splash in the majors by hitting a three-run bomb off Roger Clemens in the 2005 division series against the Houston Astros in his rookie season.
From then on, McCann took off and became one of the most dynamic backstops in the game of baseball.
McCann is a product of Georgia and could want to stay with the club after possibly taking a pay cut. The Braves have a couple of contracts to take care of in the future as B.J. and Justin Upton are set to make a lot of money in the next couple of years.
The Braves also have to keep in mind that Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward are soon to become free agents in the near future.
A trade of McCann is a possibility since you can never count out teams heavy interest in catchers. Players usually catch fire in their final season under contract since they are trying to work their way to a fatter paycheck. Michael Bourn displayed power smacking nine home runs for the most in a season.
We'll definitely keep you filled in as the Braves will have a tough decision to make at the conclusion of this season. Frank Wren might re-open discussions with McCann during the middle of the season.
