The Atlanta Braves have made several signings since the calendar flipped over to 2025. While some of the new additions have fit well into the organization, other recent Braves signings haven't worked out as well, whether it's due to age, injuries, or a logjam at their respective position.
Veteran catcher James McCann is one of the Braves' 2025 signings who hasn't appeared in Brian Snitker's lineup this season. Although the 35-year-old backstop possesses a wealth of experience, Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy being ahead of him in the pecking order has prevented McCann from seeing any big-league opportunities this season.
At least, that was the case until Monday.
James McCann Quits Braves to Sign with Diamondbacks on Monday
On Monday, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported that McCann has left the Braves to sign an MLB contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The signing presents an opportunity for more playing time after the Diamondbacks placed fellow C Gabriel Moreno on the injured list "with a right hand contusion" last week.
"McCann’s minor-league deal with the Braves included a rolling opt-out," Rosental wrote in a follow-up post. "If another club offered him a major-league job, the Braves needed to either promote him or allow him to depart."
Catcher James McCann has been released by the Braves so he can sign a major-league deal with the Diamondbacks, sources tell @TheAthletic. Dbacks starting catcher Gabriel Moreno is on IL with a right hand contusion.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 22, 2025
Looking to bolster their depth behind home plate, the Braves inked McCann to a minor-league contract back in March. The former 2011 second-round pick has accumulated plenty of wealth from playing 917 career games across four MLB franchises, having racked up 92 home runs, 373 RBIs, 194 walks, and a .241/.293/.380 slash line along the way.
Even though he was never called up by the Braves, McCann has still been having a strong minor league performance. The former All-Star catcher was slashing .297/.331/.493 in 42 games (151 at-bats) with Triple-A Gwinnett, all while picking up six HRs, 30 RBIs, and nine walks.
It's too bad that things didn't work out for McCann with the Braves, but that's the reality that occurs when the likes of Murphy and Baldwin are already in the system. Atlanta has already faced Arizona in two series this season, though, meaning the veteran catcher won't have an opportunity to face his former club until 2026.
Until then, Braves fans hope that McCann will find the increased playing time he's been looking for in his new surroundings.