The Atlanta Braves are adding a veteran presence behind the plate by signing former All-Star catcher James McCann. Multiple reports on Monday confirmed that McCann has agreed to a minor league deal with the Braves. The 34-year-old catcher had remained unsigned throughout spring training and did not participate with any team.
With the regular season fast approaching, McCann is expected to begin with Atlanta’s Triple-A affiliate to work on his game fitness. However, he could find himself in the majors not long after the season begins, especially with the Braves currently dealing with injuries at the catcher position.
Atlanta’s starting catcher, Sean Murphy, suffered a broken rib during spring training and could be sidelined for as long as six weeks. This setback leaves a gap behind the plate that McCann could help fill once he is ready. The Braves also lost veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud in free agency this offseason, as he signed with the Los Angeles Angels. Last season, d’Arnaud led the Braves with 89 starts behind the plate, while Murphy started 69 games.
Murphy, who was an All-Star in 2023, struggled offensively last season. He finished with a .193 batting average, hitting 10 home runs and collecting 25 RBIs. His on-base plus slugging (OPS) dropped to .636, marking a down year at the plate.
Meanwhile, McCann spent the 2023 season serving as a backup to Adley Rutschman for the Baltimore Orioles. Despite his limited role, McCann appeared in 65 games and posted a .234 batting average. He contributed eight home runs and 31 RBIs during the season.
With his experience and solid defensive skills, McCann could provide much-needed depth for Atlanta until Murphy is fully healthy. If needed, McCann has the potential to move quickly from Triple-A to the Braves’ big-league roster, depending on Murphy’s recovery timeline and the team’s catching situation.
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