Atlanta is reportedly in the market for some veteran help behind the plate. According to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, the Braves are eyeing two free-agent catchers: Yasmani Grandal and James McCann.
Now, will either of these guys make or break the Atlanta Braves’ season? No. But given the current situation with starting catcher Sean Murphy, there’s a real decision to be made here.
Grandal vs. McCann: What Do They Bring to the Table?
Grandal, once a power-hitting fixture behind the plate, is no longer the 20-homer lock he used to be. Last season with the Pirates, he posted a .228/.304/.400 slash line with nine homers in 72 games.
Respectable? Sure. But his best days as an offensive force are in the rearview mirror. That said, his defense is still solid, and if the Braves are looking for someone to handle a pitching staff and provide leadership, he’s a name worth considering.
On the other hand, McCann has spent the past two years in Baltimore backing up Adley Rutschman. Over that span, he slashed .228/.274/.382 with 14 homers and 57 RBIs in 134 games.
He was an All-Star back in 2019 with the White Sox, but at this stage of his career, he’s more of a steady, veteran presence than a game-changer.
How Would a Signing Affect the Braves Roster?
If the Braves sign either of these guys, it likely won’t be just for the first few weeks of the season. They’d stick around as the backup once Murphy returns. But here’s the tricky part: Atlanta already has a few options in-house.
Top catching prospect Drake Baldwin is in camp, but the Braves don’t seem eager to start his MLB service time just to have him sit on the bench. He’ll likely be sent back to Triple-A Gwinnett for regular playing time once Murphy is healthy.
That leaves Chadwick Tromp as the current backup. He’s already on the 40-man roster but out of minor-league options. If the Braves bring in Grandal or McCann, Tromp could be on the chopping block—designated for assignment to make room.
Other In-House Options Still in Play
And let’s not forget, there are a couple of other veterans in camp on non-roster invites—Curt Casali and Sandy León—who could factor into the mix as well. If one of them impresses in spring training, the Braves might not need to bring in another catcher at all.
The Braves have to decide if one of these veteran additions is a real upgrade over what they already have. A deal makes sense if they believe Grandal or McCann is a better fit than Tromp (and they’re willing to risk losing him). If not, they might just ride out Murphy’s short absence with the current roster.
It’s not the flashiest storyline of spring training, but in a season where every roster decision matters, this is one to watch.
