Red Sox Considering James McCann for Backup Catcher Role

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly "looking at" catcher James McCann as they intensify their efforts to secure a reliable backup catcher, according to MassLive.com. McCann, 34, recently completed a four-year contract that saw him split his time between the New York Mets and the Baltimore Orioles. In the 2024 season, McCann played 65 games, posting a .234/.279/.388 slash line (94 OPS+) and contributing 0.8 WAR.


Currently, Connor Wong is the Red Sox's primary catcher, but the team is keen on finding a dependable backup. While Wong holds the fort, the Red Sox are also eyeing the potential of 2023 first-round draft pick Kyle Teel, who made it to Triple-A for 28 games last season. Teel's presence in the pipeline promises a bright future for the Red Sox's catching position.


Adding a veteran like McCann could provide the Red Sox with much-needed depth and experience behind the plate. McCann's seasoned presence would not only offer stability but also serve as a valuable mentor to the younger catchers in the system. His experience in handling pitching staffs and his defensive skills would be an asset to the team as they strive to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.