Former All-Star could help Terry Francona's message resonate with young Reds' roster

The departure of Luke Maile via free agency has left a vacancy on the Cincinnati Reds’ depth chart, and while candidates for backup catcher abound, one free agent not only fits the position, but also Terry Francona’s emphasis on accountability and leadership. Former All-Star James McCann would bring veteran leadership to Cincinnati at an attractive price point.

McCann is coming off a two-year stint as the No. 2 backstop in Baltimore, and while his stats won’t blow anyone away, he made his mark on both the fanbase and the Orioles’ young squad. His charitable efforts off the field have earned him a Roberto Clemente Award nomination for the second time in his career, and his grit and toughness have earned him ample praise from teammates.

James McCann is exactly the type of player for the Reds & Terry Francona’s new system

Tyler Stephenson’s breakout season in 2024 has allowed the Reds to think more expansively about the role of a backup catcher. Stephenson can handle the bulk of the job at the plate, but he is still young and tasked with guiding a group of up-and-coming pitchers. Cincinnati doesn't necessarily need someone who can provide substantial pop or bloated stat lines; it needs a leader.

A player like McCann, who has 10 years of service time and a positive clubhouse presence, could be brought into the fold. In fact, it would be the first step in Francona’s promise to fans in his introductory press conference that his players would “play the game correctly and with respect.”

McCann is coming off a massive four-year, $40.6 million contract, which the New York Mets paid parts of in 2023 and 2024. He won’t be anywhere near that AAV on his next deal. Sportrac projects his market value to be closer to $2.8 million, and considering the Reds paid Maile $3 million in 2024, this signing should be a no-brainer.

It’s unlikely the Reds’ front office will shake up the market this offseason, but they don’t need to. Instead, the club can focus on small pieces that help support the young, talented core in Cincinnati. Francona has a knack for transforming a group of scrappy, underrated players, like Trot Nixon and Dustin Pedroia, into world-beaters, and McCann fits right into that system.

If the Reds do sign a player like McCann, it would prove to the fanbase that Francona is following through on his philosophy. He's thinking strategically and trying to buck an MLB trend that seems to reward unchecked spending. In short, he's playing Francona Ball.

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