New York Mets Trade James McCann to Baltimore Orioles

The New York Mets have traded catcher James McCann to the Baltimore Orioles for a player to be named later, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports.

The New York Mets have traded catcher James McCann to the Baltimore Orioles for a player to be named later, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports.

NY #Mets catcher James McCann has been informed he is being traded to the Baltimore #Orioles.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 22, 2022

According to Nightengale, the Mets will pay $19 million of the remaining $24 million of McCann's contract.

The #Mets are paying $19 million of the remaining $24 million of James McCann’s contract, per @Feinsand. The #Orioles are sending a player to be named later to NY.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 22, 2022

To make room for McCann, the Orioles have designated Tyler Nevin for assignment. Tyler Nevin is the son of Los Angeles Angels manager and former Major League Baseball All-Star Phil Nevin.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported that the Orioles view McCann as a backup catcher that can take the load off of rising star Adley Rutschman, and be used as a designated hitter against left-handed pitchers. He might even play some first base, per Rosenthal.

Orioles see McCann as a No. 2 catcher who will take load off Rutschman, DH against certain LHPs and perhaps even play some 1B. They believe he was unlucky with his results last season. Had expected BA of .240 and SLG of .414. Actual numbers were .195 and .282.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 22, 2022

The Orioles believe McCann is poised for a bounce-back at the plate, after slashing just .195/.257/.538 over 61 games in 2022.

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