Philadelphia Phillies: Three free agent options at catcher if J.T Realmuto leaves
1. James McCann
2020 Team: Chicago White Sox
2020 Salary: $5.4 million
Now this is more like it. We have reached a name that could actually be counted on to come in and have solid production; potentially for the next few years. James McCann is set to hit the open market this winter, and he is coming off a really productive two year stint with the White Sox. Plus at only 30 years old, the thought of continued production is not a far fetched one.
In 2019, McCann was a first time All-Star as he slashed .273/.328/.789 with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs in 118 games. Of course, these aren’t spectacular numbers, but for a catcher these are pretty darn good. He followed this up in 2020 slashing .289/.360/.896 with 7 home runs and 15 RBIs in 31 contests. It is worth nothing much of 2020 was spent playing first base for McCann, as the White Sox currently have Yasmani Grandal, who is arguably he second base catcher in baseball behind… J.T Realmuto.
While you would never be able to just replace J.T (as has been mentioned several times!), McCann sure would be a nice option in red pinstripes; assuming the Phils’ do indeed fail to resign Realmuto. Additionally, as opposed to the other names on this list, McCann could provide you stability behind the plate for at least the next few seasons. Something along the lines of a three-year contract worth about $10 million per year should be enough to lure the 2019 All Star to the Philadelphia Phillies.
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Again, I can’t reiterate it enough; you can not just replace J.T Realmuto. If he does indeed leave Philadelphia, it may be something that haunts this franchise for many years to come. Especially because that guy they traded for him? Yeah, he is pretty darn good already. However, no matter how bad it would hurt to see him go, the catcher position would need to be addressed. As usual it is slim pickings on the open market, but these three players are guys to keep an eye on assuming the catching position becomes available for the Philadelphia Phillies.