Mets Nearing Deal with James McCann

PublishedDecember 12, 2020 1:49 PM EST|UpdatedDecember 12, 2020 1:49 PM EST

The New York Mets and catcher James McCann are closing in on a four-year contract worth $40 million, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN.

McCann, 30, is coming off a season in which he batted a career-high .289 with seven home runs and 15 RBI with the Chicago White Sox. He played in the All-Star Game for the first time in 2018.

"In seven major league seasons, McCann has a .249 batting average with 65 home runs and 252 RBIs. He also has thrown out 36.3% of runners attempting to steal (127 of 354) over his career," Passan wrote.

This is also an important signing for the Mets, who were desperate for a starting catcher after declining Wilson Ramos' option. Ramos remains a free agent.