Astros Rumors: Would Brian McCann be an Option?

Jul 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann (34) celebrates with third base coach Joe Espada (53) after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann (34) celebrates with third base coach Joe Espada (53) after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Enter Brian McCann

Jul 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann (34) celebrates with third base coach Joe Espada (53) after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann (34) celebrates with third base coach Joe Espada (53) after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Before the trade deadline, when the Yankees were having a mini fire sale, I wrote about possibly trading for Brian McCann. I remember it not being well received by CTH readers. Whether it was McCann himself or the haul it would have required to trade for him, would he make sense now?

McCann lost some playing time this past season. It was because the Yankees called up this rookie Gary Sanchez who showed potential for one of the best catchers in the game. What type of player would have the Yankees not consider bringing McCann back? Try batting .299/ 20 homers/ 42 runs batted in this 54 games this year. That type of offensive production would unseat most catchers.

There is a slight problem for the Yankees. McCann is under contract through 2018 guaranteed with a vesting option for 2019. Sanchez is the complete package as a catcher, with great offense and defense. McCann will likely not want to become a full-time designated hitter or lose playing time to hurt his vesting option.