New York Yankees

New York Yankees: Brian McCann Wants to Remain in New York

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Brian McCann joined some of baseball’s greatest offensive catchers after this season. But his future with the New York Yankees is up in the air.

With his home run on the final day of the season, Brian McCann became only the fourth player to ever hit 20 home runs in 10 different seasons while being primarily a catcher. Yogi Berra, Johnny Bench, and Mike Piazza are the three other catchers to do so.

The New York Yankees have been cashing in on McCann’s left-handed power for three seasons now but may want to move on without him. He has two years remaining on his contract, but rookie sensation Gary Sanchez seems more than ready to take over. Even McCann respects that Sanchez is deserving of the position.

“Listen,” McCann said. “Gary is the starting catcher here. He’s going to be that for a long, long time. Just have to kind of see where my role fits in; see where everything fits.”

Sanchez hit 20 home runs this season, but did so in only 53 games.

With two years remaining on his five-year contract, McCann isn’t necessarily as good as gone. However, his name will float around in trade rumors this offseason as it previously did at the trade deadline. The Atlanta Braves were reportedly interested in bringing McCann back to his hometown.

The hurdle the Yankees will have to get over to trade McCann is his full no-trade clause. He may waive the no-trade clause if he so chooses, but McCann wishes to remain in New York.

“I hope I’m back,” McCann said. “I’m not sure how it’s all going to play out, but the future is extremely bright here. … I love it here. I love everything about it. Bright future. And I hope I’m a part of it.”

The Yankees also still have a glaring need for left-handed power in the middle of their order. McCann won a Silver Slugger award in 2015 and has hit at least 20 home runs in nine consecutive seasons. This season, he started out hot with 14 home runs and a .809 OPS in the first half. His second half was disappointing, but he flourished in the final month of the season.

Even if Gary Sanchez takes over the everyday lineup spot, McCann could still get regular playing time as a designated hitter against right-handed pitching. With Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right field, McCann’s left-handed power swing has played well there.

The 33-year-old also could provide stability to CC Sabathia by being his personal catcher. Sabathia bounced back this season after really struggling in previous seasons.

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“He (played) a huge role,” Sabathia said. “We sat and talked most of the time and used the cutter in different situations and talked during the games a lot, and even away from the game. He’s been a huge help for me in making this transition.”

New York’s offense is also changing a lot for 2017. Carlos Beltran, Alex Rodriguez, and Mark Teixeira are not returning to the Yankees. They, along with McCann, batted in the middle of the order on a regular basis. Without them, McCann remains the only constant through the heart of the order.

McCann and Gary Sanchez are the only two Yankee players returning that hit 20 home runs this year. However, Sanchez never accomplished that in the minor leagues. Greg Bird, Aaron Judge, and Tyler Austin have combined for a total of 20 major league home runs.

Brian McCann may become a regular designated hitter. He may remain a part-time catcher. He may also become an option at first base. Or McCann may not have a role at all for the Yankees next season. That decision will ultimately be up to him considering his no-trade clause. But don’t count out the possibility this winter if the Yankees decide it is best to move on.

“There’s a lot of variables that go into a decision,” McCann said. “So we’ll see how the winter plays out. But again, this place is special.”

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