Astros Rumors: Would Brian McCann be an Option?

The Cons.

McCann is not the player he used to be. Some would argue that he is not worth the guaranteed $34 million over the next two years plus the $15 million vesting option for 2019. The team could probably bring back Castro for much less than that financial commitment. McCann at this point of his career averages around .240 with 20 homers and 70 plus RBI’s. That is pretty much what you could get from Gattis as a catcher.

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The biggest con is probably the haul that it would take to acquire McCann. The Yankees got better after trading Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller, and Carlos Beltran. With the talent they acquired last year in the three trades, the Yankees are going to look to get greedy if they decide to trade McCann.

The offseason market was supposed to be headlined by Wilson Ramos, but a late season injury has brought down his market. This could increase the market for Castro to sign elsewhere. This will also up the demand for McCann on the trade market. Is McCann really that much of an upgrade over Castro?

Buster Olney wrote the other day that the Astros, Nationals, and Angels have the money and need to make a deal. While some Astros fans think that the team should pursue McCann to block the division rival Angels from getting him, that can’t be the primary reason.

Next: Yoenis Cespedes anyone?

Should the Astros trade for him, they should be ready to fork over a big package including Reed and more. They should also do it to fit a need on the team and not to block another team. If the Astros eat most of the contract, they will have to give up less talent in return. It will still cost a lot to bring McCann to H-Town. Would it be worth it?

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***