Houston Astros decline McCann’s option, look for replacement
By Kyle Cardoza
Brian McCann played a pivotal role in 2017 for the Houston Astros. But as many expected, the Texas club did not wish to pay $15 million to keep the catcher’s contract intact. Instead, they may seek a more reliable option.
It is nearly inarguable to claim that the Houston Astros struggled behind the plate. Despite Max Stassi’s emergence as a more reliable backstop, the Texas club ranked below 15th in OPS and runs scored in the position.
Based on these lowly results, Houston declined Brian McCann’s team option worth $15 million, making him a free agent. And considering the veteran missed a large portion of last season, it makes sense.
Granted, McCann is on his last leg in an MLB uniform anyways. Between 2005 and 2016, the seven-time All-Star played more than 100 games in all but one season. That was in 2005 – his rookie year.
Yet, the catcher played in 97 games and 63 games in the previous two campaigns, respectively. Of course, the Astros did not plan to give McCann a massive workload once he arrived.
While the backstop enjoyed a decent year during the team’s World Series stretch, his numbers from 2018 were far from promising. The 34-year-old hit just .212 with the lowest OPS he’s ever recorded.
Houston somewhat had a dynamic duo without McCann. Stassi was a force on offense, ranking amongst the top five catchers in hitting statistics for much of the first half. But he essentially disappeared in the second half of the season, boasting a sub-.500 OPS.
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Meanwhile, Martin Maldonado provided staunch defense behind the dish but offered no offensive might. That was expected though.
Although the Astros declined to pay McCann an immoderate amount of money, he could still return. The veteran is a good presence in the dugout, much like Evan Gattis. But there are several more appealing options on the free agent list.
Houston’s front office likely won’t overpay for a mediocre catcher. Frankly, the only player worth a multi-year deal is Wilson Ramos, who is also past his prime. Yasmani Grandal is another highly-regarded catcher – except
Many fans will argue – and they are correct – that Stassi is not an everyday backstop. While he enjoyed a fantastic half season, manager A.J. Hinch will likely not let him shoulder the load.
The Astros must focus on how to pay all of their starting pitchers. But the front office must also determine how much to use to bargain for a serviceable backstop.
dark. Next. J.T. Realmuto might be on his way out of Miami
It’s unlike Houston to rank in the bottom of the league in any category – offensively or pitching-wise. Thus, maybe the Astros will push to get J.T. Realmuto once again with a hefty trade package.
And this time, maybe it will work.