Mets trade catcher James McCann to Baltimore Orioles for player to be named later
The Mets traded catcher James McCann and cash considerations to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night for a player to be named later. The player is not expected to be notable, but the Mets were able to open up a spot on the 40-man roster.
The 32-year-old McCann is owed $24 million over the next two years and reports say the Mets will cover $19 million of his salary for luxury tax purposes and save about $8 million in the end.
McCann was signed two years ago as one of the first major moves of the Steve Cohen era. Former general manager Jared Porter signed the catcher to a four-year contract just days after starting.
An All-Star with the Chicago White Sox in 2019, McCann was unable to repeat his 2019-20 numbers with the Mets, slashing .220/.282/.328 with 13 home runs in two seasons with the Mets, struggling with injuries in 2022.
The Mets will still have three catchers on the roster once the contract for Omar Narvaez is made official. Narvaez and the club agreed to a one-year contract over the weekend.
In the second transaction of the night, the club also agreed to terms with infielder Danny Mendick on a one-year, $1 million contract. He slashed .289/.343/.443 in 31 games for the Chicago White Sox last season before being non-tendered. He missed much of the 2022 season with a knee injury but the Mets will have four years of team control.
These moves came less than 24 hours after landing free agent shortstop Carlos Correa in a stunning overnight move. The Mets will need to make room for Correa, Mendick, Narvaez and reliever Adam Ottavino on the 40-man roster. At least one spot will be open soon with Yoan Lopez signing to play with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan.
