What is "james mccann"?

James McCann is a professional baseball player who currently plays as a catcher for the New York Mets in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on June 13, 1990, in Santa Barbara, California. McCann is known for his strong defensive skills behind the plate, as well as his ability to handle a pitching staff and call a game.

McCann attended the University of Arkansas, where he played college baseball for the Razorbacks. In 2011, he was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the second round of the MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Tigers in September 2014 and quickly established himself as a reliable catcher with a strong arm and good pitch-framing skills.

During his time with the Tigers, McCann developed a reputation as one of the best defensive catchers in the league. He consistently ranked among the top catchers in the American League in fielding percentage, caught stealing percentage, and defensive runs saved. McCann also showed some offensive prowess, hitting for a respectable average and displaying occasional power at the plate.

In 2019, McCann signed a one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox. He had a breakout season with the White Sox, earning his first All-Star selection and posting career-high numbers in several offensive categories. McCann hit .273 with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs in 118 games, helping to solidify his reputation as one of the top catchers in the league.

After his successful season with the White Sox, McCann became a free agent and signed a four-year, $40.6 million contract with the New York Mets in December 2020. He joined the Mets as their starting catcher and quickly made an impact both offensively and defensively. In his first season with the Mets, McCann hit .232 with 13 home runs and 47 RBIs in 109 games, while also providing strong leadership behind the plate.

One of McCann's greatest strengths as a catcher is his ability to work well with pitchers and call a game effectively. He has a deep understanding of the game and is known for his preparation and game-planning skills. McCann is able to study hitters' tendencies and help pitchers navigate through tough situations on the mound. His leadership and communication skills make him a valuable asset to any pitching staff.

In addition to his defensive skills, McCann has also shown improvement in his offensive game throughout his career. He has worked on his approach at the plate and has become a more disciplined hitter, drawing more walks and making better contact. McCann has also shown some power, hitting double-digit home runs in multiple seasons and driving in runs consistently.

Off the field, McCann is known for his work ethic, professionalism, and positive attitude. He is a respected leader in the clubhouse and is known for his willingness to mentor younger players and help his teammates improve. McCann's dedication to his craft and his commitment to excellence have earned him the respect of his peers and coaches throughout his career.

Overall, James McCann is a talented and versatile catcher who excels on both sides of the ball. His defensive skills, leadership abilities, and offensive production make him a valuable asset to any team. With his strong work ethic and competitive drive, McCann is poised to continue making a significant impact in MLB for years to come.