The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially signed catcher James McCann to a Major League contract, a move reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Earlier, it was noted that McCann had been released from his minor league deal with the Braves to facilitate the transition to Arizona.
The situation arose after the Diamondbacks faced a sudden need for experienced catching following a finger injury to Gabriel Moreno, who is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. As head coach Torey Lovullo mentioned, this leaves a makeshift catching lineup comprising Jose Herrera, Aramis Garcia, and other less-experienced options from Triple-A. In contrast, McCann brings a wealth of experience from his 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, playing in 917 games.
McCann previously played for the White Sox, where he enjoyed a standout period in 2019 and 2020, culminating in an All-Star Game selection in 2019. Despite a career batting average of .241, he has shown occasional flashes of offensive prowess. Recently, McCann served as a backup to rising star Adley Rutschman with the Baltimore Orioles, providing vital mentorship and support to the pitching staff.
This acquisition represents a low-risk strategy for the Diamondbacks, who currently hold a 39-38 record, managing to stay competitive despite facing various injuries and underwhelming performances from their pitching roster. McCann’s veteran insight could be instrumental in stabilizing the pitching staff, while the Diamondbacks continue to rely on their strong offensive lineup to maintain their standing in the league.
This signing reflects the team’s effort to adapt in the face of challenges and showcases their commitment to enhancing their roster with experienced players. It’s a hopeful move for the Diamondbacks as they look to navigate through the current season.