Remember Saturday December 12, 2020. When the Mets make a significant splash and sign a premiere free agent, and hours later reportedly come to an agreement in hiring a new general manager, this is a day to remember for the Mets and their fan base.
Because of the significance in what can be seen as an unprecedented day of offseason moves, the Mets are the team to watch. And they will continue to be the team to watch after James McCann agreed to be their starting catcher for the next four years at $40 million.
And we know for sure, Steve Cohen and Sandy Alderson are all about winning now and in the long run. McCann is the start and industry sources are sure the Mets are the favorites to sign either George Springer or Trevor Bauer.
My sources are saying the Mets and Springer are continuing the discussions to bring Springer to New York. The number of years and how long for Springer, perhaps made easier with the money not spent on J.T. Realmuto.
Yes, Realmuto is considered the best catcher in baseball. McCann, though, is no slouch and is far from a disappointment.
“Unbelievable leader,” Gio Gonzalez said about McCann. “The Mets got a catcher that will be great in New York. He is by far the best catcher I had in my career behind the plate calling a game.”
Both McCann and Gonzalez were a part of a White Sox battery in 2020. Ironic, though, Wilson Ramos caught Gonzalez for three years with the Nationals.
But McCann is a notch better than Ramos. He has that reputation of that leader and commanding a game for the rotation. The Lucas Giolito no-hitter for the White Sox in late August is an example.
“Take a look again at Lucas Giolito,” Gonzalez said. ”That game he was in total command. Lucas gave all the credit to his catcher. That said a lot. He knows how to call a game.”
McCann also knows how to save runs. He was sixth among catchers this season and that was an improvement from almost being dead last the year before. So he has worked on his game and it improved in his final year with the White Sox.
“Never saw a more dedicated catcher work on his game the way he did this past year,” Gonzalez said.
Also, McCann gives the Mets a needed bat in the lineup, in particular against left-handed pitching where they struggled last year.
So one of three parts this offseason has been accomplished. And with a reported GM in place the emphasis is obtaining the outfielder, a key line starter, and bullpen help.
Jared Porter, industry sources informed me on Saturday, is a perfect fit for the Mets to work under Alderson as the general manager. He eats, drinks, and sleeps baseball. His last four seasons with the Diamondbacks as senior vice president and assistant general manager were a stepping stone.
Also, Porter has been with front offices of four championship teams that include the 2004, 2007, and 2014 Red Sox, and the 2016 Chicago Cubs.
“Like a Brian Cashman working from an intern to championship teams and has the eye for talent,” said an insider. “I know him. He has the respect and Sandy has known him for some time.”
And Sandy Alderson, who cleaned house a month ago when Steve Cohen assumed ownership, was looking for a baseball official that has a similar philosophy.
As they say, this is a good match. McCann is the perfect fit and Porter the perfect fit for Alderson and the Mets building a front office. Yes, the baseball world is talking about the Mets and there is more to come.
But remember December 12, 2020.
