James McCann is heading to the Big Apple. Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Mets sign James McCann to four-year deal worth more than $40 million

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Dec 12, 2020 1:33 PM ET

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen wasn’t kidding when he said he wanted to turn the team into a playoff contender immediately.

The club has been linked to a number of free agents this offseason, and after lengthy negotiations, it appears one player has signed on for the 2021 campaign and beyond.

The Mets have reportedly signed All-Star catcher James McCann to a four-year deal worth more than $40 million, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

The $40 million-plus James McCann is getting is just a touch over 40 and includes a signing bonus, per sources. Two years after being nontendered by Detroit, McCann gets a long deal — in the last seven years, Yasmani Grandal is the only other catcher to get four — at $10M per.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 12, 2020

McCann was widely regarded as the second-best catcher on the free-agent market behind J.T. Realmuto. The 30-year-old enjoyed a career year in 2020 after moving from the Detroit Tigers to the Chicago White Sox in 2019, batting .289 with seven home runs and 15 RBI during the pandemic-shortened campaign.

The Mets were in need of a starting catcher after declining Wilson Ramos’ 2021 option.

McCann marks the second notable offseason signing by the Mets, who also signed reliever Trevor May to a two-year deal.

New York also is reportedly targeting All-Star outfielder George Springer, Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer and right-hander Jake Odorizzi.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

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