Possibilities For A First Base Upgrade

Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

 Brian McCann

A possible internal upgrade at the position is Brian McCann. From 2005 to 2013, McCann was a good catcher for the Atlanta Braves. After 2013, the Yankees signed him to a five year deal be their catcher. 2014 saw McCann struggle offensively until late in the season, but among the bright spots were the 16 games he spent at first base. Offensively, there’s not much question that McCann is capable of the type of production that is expected of a first baseman, but how about defensively?

In 16 games at the position, McCann only made one error in 110 chances. Over a full season, his Range Factor per nine innings of 9.52 would have been in the top ten among major league first basemen, which isn’t bad for someone who hadn’t played the position at the big league level coming into this year.

Among the internal candidates to potentially upgrade the position, McCann is a possibility that shouldn’t be completely ignored. It would certainly save the team from having to trade prospects or sign a possibly expensive free agent.