Rumors around the possible trade of Brian McCann surfaced during the trade deadline when the Yankees catchers’ name was thrown around with the Atlanta Braves.
Since the trade deadline passed and McCann’s struggles continued, the Yankees called up Gary Sanchez who only went on to hit 20 home runs in 47 games, setting a Major League record for the fastest player to 20 home runs in his career. It is now clear that Sanchez is the starting catcher heading into the 2017 season but that has not prevented McCann’s desire to remain in New York.
Brian McCann On Yankees: “I Hope I’m Back” https://t.co/23ITmXbNyv pic.twitter.com/uZo1S26qbp
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) October 4, 2016
“I hope I’m back,” McCann said to Chad Jennings of the LoHud Yankees Blog. “I’m not sure how it’s all going to play out, but the future is extremely bright here.”
Though McCann became primarily a designated hitter after the promotion of Sanchez, he continues to express his desire to remain a Yankee.
“I love it here,” McCann continued. “I love everything about it. Bright future. And I hope I’m apart of it.”
The Yankees have yet to say their plans regarding McCann but it seems 50/50 on whether he stays or is traded away. There are reasons for both and it should come as no surprise either way.
With the loss of Carlos Beltran, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees lost three key veteran presences’. Keeping McCann can be a positive move in that regard as well as insurance in case Sanchez struggles or gets injured.
The 32-year-old still does have value at the plate as well. New York’s lineup is becoming extremely right-handed, especially from the power positions so having McCann’s left-handed bat in the middle of the order might be a wise thing to do. He can also serve as an emergency first baseman in case Greg Bird struggles returning from a torn labrum and if Tyler Austin continues to struggle against Major League pitching.
A big obstacle for the Yankees is that McCann has a full no-trade clause and will need to accept any deal before it happens. It will also be tough because McCann still has $34 million left on his contract. If the right deal is presented, say for a controllable starting pitcher, the Yankees will have a hard time saying no which might mean the end of McCann’s tenure in the Bronx.
