Former Detroit Tigers catcher signs minor-league deal with Braves

Former Detroit Tigers catcher signs minor-league deal with Braves
Detroit Tigers catcher James McCann takes the field before a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins in Detroit, Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)AP

DETROIT — Former Detroit Tigers catcher James McCann, one of the more recognizable names still on the market with Opening Day fast approaching, has found a new home.

McCann signed a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves on Monday, according to several reports. He will be assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett, giving Atlanta additional catching depth after injuries at the position.

His arrival coincides with the departure of another former Tiger, Curt Casali, who was released by the Braves this week after failing to make the club out of spring training.

McCann, 34, was drafted by Detroit in the second round in 2011 and played five seasons (2014-18) with the Tigers before the team declined to tender him a contract following a subpar 2018 campaign. He revitalized his career with the Chicago White Sox over the next two seasons before signing a four-year, $40 million deal with the New York Mets. After two seasons in New York, he was traded to Baltimore, where he spent the past two seasons as the backup to young star Adley Rutschman.

Casali, 36, was also a 2011 Tigers draft pick but never reached Detroit. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013 so the Tigers could retain the rights to Rule 5 pick Kyle Lobstein. Casali has bounced between 11 organizations but carved out an 11-year big-league career, though he has never had more than 256 plate appearances in a single season.

  • Where to watch the Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox for free – MLB Spring Training
  • Could the Tigers extend Tarik Skubal? It would take a lot just to start the conversation.
  • Just 10 days away from Opening Day, buy your Tigers gear before the first pitch is thrown
  • Detroit Tigers legend won’t be part of broadcast team in 2025
  • Tigers make 2 surprising cuts with 10 days left until Opening Day

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Related Posts

Two White Sox Prospects Pull Off Rare Feats in the Same Week

George Wolkow has recorded 75 hits for the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers this season, most of them unseen by anyone outside North Carolina or those closely following the White Sox minor league system. But that all changed on Tuesday when the White Sox No. 11 prospect went viral for an unconventional swing that earned him a […]

Braves predicted to replace Brian Snitker with former player, Team USA manager, World Series Champ

The Atlanta Braves are likely to let Brian Snitker go after his contract expires. The guy that could potentially take over is someone who used to play for the Braves.

Red Sox need to toss Abraham Toro overboard after Silver Slugger’s shocking release

Any Boston Red Sox fan paying attention to the offense of late can tell you that Abraham Toro has become a problem. While he was undeniably a savior early in th

Yankees Predicted to Cut Ties With 21 Home Run Slugger in Surprising Move

The New York Yankees are predicted to cut ties with their 21-home-run slugger in a surprising move this upcoming offseason.

Cubs Outfielder Projected To Land $40M Per Year Deal This Winter

The Chicago Cubs traded for outfielder Kyle Tucker last offseason, and now he is projected to be the headlining free agent this year.

Red Sox’ Alex Corа Mаde Refreѕhіngly Honeѕt Admіѕѕіon About Umріreѕ After Ejectіon

Cora wasn’t afraid to admit he was wrong.