The Atlanta Braves will be without All-Star catcher Sean Murphy for the next few weeks as the 30-year-old recovers from a cracked rib. Given the physical demands of the catcher position, his exact return timeline remains uncertain.
The Braves have yet to make a move to replace their star catcher, but they still have time if they choose to do so.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer recently predicted that the Braves would sign veteran catcher James McCann, formerly of the Baltimore Orioles. According to Spotrac, McCann is projected to land a $3 million deal in free agency.
“Grandal and McCann, meanwhile, still appear to be serviceable options behind the plate. Grandal excels at pitch framing and has some power, while McCann’s .667 OPS with the Orioles in 2024 was respectable for a catcher,” Rymer noted. “Grandal reportedly declined an offer from the Braves, who are in need of catching depth after Sean Murphy’s rib injury. Bold Prediction: Atlanta signs McCann and keeps him for the full season.”
McCann, 34, posted a .234/.279/.388 slash line with eight home runs and nine doubles over 65 games for the Orioles last season. The veteran catcher remains a free agent and could likely be signed for well under $5 million.
With Murphy sidelined for the next few weeks, the Braves need to add both talent and depth at catcher. McCann would be a safer choice than rushing prospect Drake Baldwin, who may appear big-league ready but could have his development hindered by an early promotion.
The Braves would be wise to sign McCann as a short-term solution until Murphy returns.
