Nationals Eye James McCann to Energize Catcher Position After Alfaro’s Departure
The Washington Nationals face a critical offseason as they seek to strengthen their roster, particularly at the catcher position. With Jorge Alfaro opting for free agency after being outrighted to Triple-A Rochester, the team is left with limited options on the 40-man roster. Currently, only Keibert Ruiz and Riley Adams are available, while Drew Millas remains on the 60-day injured list. The situation raises concerns about the team’s offensive capabilities behind the plate.
Catching Depth Lacks Promise
Ruiz, once heralded as a key acquisition in the trade that sent Trea Turner and Max Scherzer to the Los Angeles Dodgers, has struggled since signing an eight-year extension prior to the 2023 season. His performance has declined each year, leaving fans questioning his potential moving forward. Adams, who joined the Nationals in a deal for Brad Hand, has shown flashes of promise but carries a lackluster slash line of .215/.291/.361, placing him 16 points below the league average OPS+. Millas, on the other hand, has shown offensive potential with an OPS+ of 108, but his experience is limited to just 49 games in the majors, making it difficult to rely on him as a primary option.
Given these challenges, it’s evident that the Nationals need to explore the free-agent market for viable solutions, and one player worth considering is James McCann.
James McCann: A Veteran Presence
McCann stands out as an ideal candidate to bolster the Nationals’ catching core. As a former All-Star, he brings a wealth of experience and leadership that could greatly benefit Washington’s young roster. His tenure with the Baltimore Orioles established him as a respected figure in the clubhouse, and his departure prior to the current season raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
In 2023, McCann transitioned to a backup role, but he demonstrated that he still has valuable skills at the plate. During a stint with the Arizona Diamondbacks, he posted a respectable slash line of .260/.324/.431 along with five home runs and 17 RBIs across 42 games. While the small sample size raises questions about his long-term viability, his OPS+ of 107 suggests he can still contribute offensively, making him a reliable backup should Ruiz continue to struggle.
Cost-Effective Option for the Nationals
Financially, McCann represents a feasible option for the Nationals. His projected market value sits around one year and $6 million, a reasonable price for a backup catcher with offensive upside and veteran leadership. While the offseason may bring other high-profile catchers into play, McCann’s potential contributions at this price point make him an attractive target for a team looking to solidify its catching situation.
As the Nationals navigate this offseason, the pursuit of James McCann could prove to be a strategic move that enhances their roster and sets the stage for a more competitive 2026 season. With a combination of experience and recent offensive production, McCann could help stabilize a position that has been a source of concern for the franchise.
