Mets add McCann, think big
NEWYORK» Free agent catcher James McCann signed a $40.6 million, four-year contract with the New York Mets on Tuesday, joining a team now ready to spend big to build a winner.
McCann, 30, was an All-Star with the White Sox in 2019 and this season set career highs in batting average (.289), on-base percentage (.360) and slugging percentage (.536).
“James has established himself as one of the best dual-threat catchers in the game,” Mets President Sandy Alderson said. “His leadership and presence in the clubhouse were instrumental in guiding a young pitching staff into the postseason in 2020.”
Steve Cohen bought the Mets last month for $2.42 billion last month and his first move was to hire Alderson. McCann’s signing was announced a day after Jared Porter was officially introduced as the Mets’ new general manager.
Cohen has said he would consider it disappointing if the Mets don’t win the World Series in the next three to five years.
Alderson said Monday the Mets had earlier discussions with prized free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto.
“I think that more than anything else this was a timing issue for us. We have a number of needs, and we can afford to wait to fill some of them. We can’t afford to wait to fill all of them,” Alderson said. “And so, this wasn’t a compromise pick. We’ve been engaged with James for a considerable period of time. There’s a lot we like about James.”
Rangers sign Dahl
ARLINGTON,TEXAS» The Texas Rangers have signed free agent outfielder David Dahl to a $2.7 million, one-year contract after Colorado didn’t offer him a contract coming off right shoulder surgery.
Dahl hit .183 with no homers and nine RBIs while spending about a month of the pandemic-shortened season on the injured list. Dahl also dealt with back soreness last season.
Dahl, who could earn up to $300,000 in performance bonuses, had surgery Sept. 29. He was a National League All-Star in 2019, hitting .302 with 15 homers and 61 RBIs. Dahl’s career average is .286 in 264 games over parts of four seasons.
Mariners get Montero in trade
SEATTLE » The Seattle Mariners bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Rafael Montero from the Texas Rangers.
Montero, 30, was the Rangers closer for most of last season after Jose Leclerc was sidelined. Montero appeared in 17 games and was 8-for-8 in save situations. He was 0-1 with a 4.08 ERA.
Seattle sent pitching prospect José Corniell, 17, and a player to be named to the Rangers.
Yanks’ Boone giving LeMahieu space
NEWYORK» Yankees manager Aaron Boone is treating DJ LeMahieu like he’s any other member of the team this offseason. And he’s hopeful that when New York gathers for spring training, the reigning big league batting champion will be there.
A month and a half into baseball’s offseason, LeMahieu remains a free agent.
Boone said he’s giving LeMahieu space to make his own decision. “This time of year, I text with guys every few weeks, check in with guys, and I’ve treated DJ in that same manner,” Boone said. “He knows I’m here if he needs to ask me anything.”