The offseason is underway and the conversations are already starting about what the New York Yankees are going to do with Brian McCann.
New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann is one of the names you will hear consistently throughout the offseason. Ever since Gary Sanchez arrived on the scene with a bang, many believe that McCann is no longer needed now that they have a rookie phenom behind the plate.
With this being the case, could Brian Cashman be pushing McCann to waive his no-trade clause?
On Friday, November 4, Brian Cashman had this to say, via George A. King III of the New York Post:
“Based on his success the past season, Sanchez is the everyday catcher.”
Many believe that this statement isn’t that important because it is something we already know. While that could be true, this statement from Cashman could have a much deeper meaning behind it.
When Brian McCann signed his contract with the Yankees prior to the 2014 season, he was the man. The left-handed hitter was the starting catcher and was meant to keep that role until his contract ended, but Gary Sanchez had other plans. Sanchez burst onto the scene in August, where he batted .299/.376/.657 with 20 home runs and 42 RBI’s. This outstanding showcase pushed McCann to the side and prevented him from catching as much as he used to.
Sanchez burst onto the scene in August, where he batted .299/.376/.657 with 20 home runs and 42 RBI’s. This outstanding showcase pushed McCann to the side and prevented him from catching as much as he used to.
With that being said, Cashman could have made that statement with an underlying motive to get the 32-year old to waive his no-trade clause. But how could this statement potentially sway him to decide to waive his no-trade clause?
It’s simple. McCann is still technically in his prime. He is only 32 years old and could still catch at a great level which is above average in today’s game. In 2016, the seven-time all-star only allowed 47 stolen bases against him, below his career average.
His fielding percentage was also .995, slightly above his career average. With so few great catchers in today’s game, anywhere McCann would be traded he will most likely be the everyday catcher, a role Cashman has said will not be his if he remains in New York.
It is certainly possible that the Yankees GM could be using the success of Gary Sanchez as a way to push Brian McCann out of New York.
As controversial as it may be, McCann still wants to catch every day and this statement from Cashman could be the final confirmation the catcher needed to decide he would waive his no-trade clause if the opportunity comes.
