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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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The New York Yankees know they have a gem for a catcher in Austin Wells. What they don't know is who will be his backup in 2025.
Right now, they have two other catchers on the active roster besides Wells: J.C. Escarra and Jesus Rodriguez. The latter is just 22 years old, but Escarra is 29 and has yet to make his MLB debut. Both players will be in the minor leagues for most (if not all) of 2025.
As a result, the Yankees should be looking at what is left of the free agent market to sign a backup catcher. It's slim pickings, but James McCann would be the ideal fit for them.
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McCann hit .231 with eight home runs and 31 RBI in 2024 for the Baltimore Orioles. He served as the backup to young phenom Adley Rutschman and served as a mentor for him.
Now, McCann could come to the Bronx and serve that same role for Wells. The Yankees could certainly pay McCann his market value of $2.8 million and could even go above market value to really seal the deal.
Signing McCann would shore up any questions about catching depth for the Yankees while also giving Wells a chance to pick the brain of someone who has been in the league for over 10 years.
McCann is very familiar with playing in New York in addition to playing in the American League East. Prior to his time with the Orioles, he spent two seasons in Queens with the New York Mets.
This is a move that makes a lot of sense for the Yankees, and it's one they should look to make as soon as possible.
More MLB: Yankees Reunite With Former No. 5 Prospect With 95 mph Fastball For Bullpen Help
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