Rick Hahn has been insinuating that the White Sox were in the market for a catcher, and with Welington Castillo in tow, they had freedom to pursue either a big-ticket starter or a backup who could serve as a placeholder for Seby Zavala or Zack Collins. Today, they made their course of action known:
Jon Heyman reported that it's a deal for $2.5 million
McCann will be 29 years old this year and is a career .240/.288/.366 hitter that bats from the right side. He can hit the occasional home run, though doesn't boast much in the way of contact ability or plate discipline. Behind the plate, McCann has generally graded out poorly as a receiver and blocker, though he has been competent at controlling the running game. With Welington Castillo projected to start and bat with from the same side of the plate, one figures that McCann's exposure will be relatively minimal.
The move brings the 40-man roster to 39. With the catcher position seemingly set, the White Sox will turn to address their needs in the starting rotation, bullpen, and outfield, in addition to their pursuit of big-ticket free agents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. It appears that those with dreams of signing Yasmani Grandal will be left wanting.
