Reds' reportedly targeting former All-Star as Tyler Stephenson's backup

While numerous fans want to see the Cincinnati Reds add an outfielder during this week's MLB Winter Meetings, finding a backup catcher might actually be more pressing. The only backstop on the Reds 40-man roster is Tyler Stephenson, and Cincinnati does not have a serviceable backup down on the farm. But perhaps there's some help on the way.

According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, the Reds are interested in signing free agent catcher James McCann. The former All-Star spent the last two seasons with the Baltimore Orioles backing up their budding superstar Adley Rutschman.

Reds' reportedly targeting former All-Star James McCann as Tyler Stephenson's backup

McCann is a grizzled veteran with 11 years of major league experience. Reds' President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall had hinted that he was targeting an upgrade behind the plate and wanted to find a backup catcher who could serve as a starter if need be. McCann received regular reps with the New York Mets in 2021, but that was the last time he eclipsed 100 games played in a season.

The Reds dumped Luke Maile earlier this offseason after declining his club-option for 2025. While Maile's offensive production was woeful at best, his relationship with the pitching staff and leadership in the clubhouse was second to none. If the Reds miss out on McCann, don't be surprised if the Reds attempt to bring Maile back to Cincinnati on a cheaper deal.

If Cincinnati fails to land McCann, there are other free agent options available. Former Reds' farmhand Yasmani Grandal is arguably the best hitting catcher remaining on the market, along with former All-Star Elias Diaz, and two-time Gold Glove Award-winner Tucker Barnhart.

The last thing the Reds want to do is go into the 2025 season the same way they did back in 2022. Stephenson was only able to play in 50 games that season, and six other catchers wound up logging time behind the dish for the Reds. The team has Alex Jackson on a minor-league deal, but adding McCann or some other veteran should definitely be part of equation this winter.

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