As the 2024 offseason kicks into gear, the Cincinnati Reds are facing a glaring issue that could undermine their roster construction ahead of next season. With only one catcher—Tyler Stephenson—currently on the 40-man roster, the Reds find themselves in desperate need of reinforcements behind the plate. And with the offseason in full swing, they’re looking to add at least 4-5 catchers, not only to cover the needs for spring training but to ensure they can fill out the rosters for their major league, Triple-A, and Double-A teams. This has placed significant pressure on the front office to find a solution before camp opens.
Mark Sheldon of Reds.com reported that the Reds have shown interest in free agent James McCann, a veteran catcher with over a decade of big league experience. McCann, who has spent time with the Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, and Baltimore Orioles, could provide a much-needed veteran presence as Cincinnati scrambles to shore up the position.
The Catching Landscape: A Growing Concern
The catcher position in Major League Baseball has become increasingly difficult to navigate for many teams, with quality options in short supply. In 2024, only 17 of the 35 catchers who logged at least 250 plate appearances managed to post an OPS of over .700. Meanwhile, 13 catchers finished with an OPS of .650 or lower, and more than half of those had an on-base percentage below .300. This dichotomy—either elite offensive production or minimal output—has made it tough for teams to find well-rounded players at the position.
That’s where James McCann comes in. Though he’s far from the offensive juggernaut some teams might desire, McCann has carved out a respectable career as a reliable, defensively sound catcher. Over the last four years, McCann has posted a meager .224/.279/.352 line, with his most productive offensive season coming back in 2019 with the White Sox, when he made the All-Star team. Despite a lack of recent offensive production, McCann’s steady presence behind the plate, along with his experience in a variety of pitching staffs, makes him an appealing option for the Reds.
Why the Reds Need McCann
For Cincinnati, the urgency surrounding the catcher position is real. Tyler Stephenson, who has shown flashes of promise with the bat, has struggled to stay healthy, and there is no viable backup currently in place. Stephenson has the potential to be a key piece of the Reds’ future, but the team can’t afford to enter 2025 with such a thin catching depth chart. In a perfect world, the Reds would love to add a catcher who can both contribute offensively and provide solid defense. But in the current state of the catcher market, it’s hard to expect such a player to come cheap or easy.
McCann’s offensive struggles aside, he provides an experienced option behind the plate who can help guide young pitchers and keep the team competitive in a position that has become increasingly difficult to fill with above-average talent. The Reds need a backup plan in case Stephenson goes down again, and McCann could fit the bill—his defense and experience outweigh his offensive shortcomings at this stage in his career.
A Catcher’s Market in Crisis
The Reds are not alone in their pursuit of depth at catcher. Across the league, the position is in crisis mode, with most teams scrambling to find competent backstops. Catcher isn’t a spot that typically demands offensive fireworks—defense, game-calling, and handling the pitching staff are paramount. Still, when you’re looking at McCann’s career .300 on-base percentage since 2020, it’s clear that offensive production is an afterthought for a player of his caliber.
Still, for Cincinnati, the goal is clear: find competent catchers to back up Tyler Stephenson and help stabilize the position for the 2025 season. If the Reds are able to land McCann, he will likely slot in as a veteran mentor to Stephenson while providing some level of offensive production. Given the lack of viable internal options, McCann might just be the best solution to the Reds’ catching conundrum.
Looking Ahead
As the Reds continue to build their roster for the 2025 season, the catching position remains a critical area of focus. With Tyler Stephenson’s health and performance being a major question mark, adding experienced depth like James McCann could prove crucial. While McCann may not be the offensive force that some other teams desire, his defensive abilities, leadership, and vast experience in the majors make him a solid option for Cincinnati to fill a significant gap in their roster.
The Reds will need to move quickly in addressing their catcher situation, with spring training looming and the need to field a competitive roster at all levels. The addition of McCann could be just the first step in securing a stable catching situation for the Reds as they look to stay competitive in a tough division and ultimately build toward sustained success.
