Brian McCann Wants to Return to Yankees in 2017

Although Brian McCann will be predominately used as a DH and fill-in catcher for Gary Sanchez next season, those close to him say his focus is staying with the Yankees.

Brian McCann has only ever played for two teams during his solid 12-year career–the Braves and the Yankees. So while many speculate that the seven-time All-Star would want to continue on as a starting backstop, McCann’s closest friend in the game–MLB Network’s Mark DeRosa says otherwise.

Derosa told WFAN’s Mike Francesa on Wednesday that the catcher would “100 percent” be interested in remaining with the Yankees to serve as the team’s DH and backup to the phenom, Sanchez.

“I don’t think he wants to leave,” said DeRosa. “He loves New York. He loves it here.” DeRosa went on to say a situation “would have to be super, super interesting” for the six-time Silver Slugger to waive his no-trade clause.

While this is all fine and dandy for Derosa to speak on behalf of his good buddy, it will likely have no impact on what the Yankees decide to do with a player still owed $49MM over the span of the next three years.

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And don’t forget, McCann pretty much controls his own destiny with that full no-trade clause. So even though we heard speculation that the Braves were interested in a possible reunion with their former catcher, would McCann really want to strap on the tools of ignorance four or five times a week for a club that has literally no shot of making the playoffs during the remainder of his contract?

It really comes down to what the player values more. Is he concerned about padding his ego (though all signs point to this not being the case), being the top tomato on a team searching for an identity, or would he prefer to pass on his world of wisdom to an electric young backstop and potentially play for Postseason glory until 2019 comes to a close?

Either way, money is no object, as McCann will be handsomely compensated no matter where it is he plays in 2017 and beyond. I still say keeping him in the fold for the next few seasons makes sense for the Yankees–as their lineup moving forward is predominately right-handed, especially when it comes to bats with home run potential.

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Over the course of 162 games, if McCann were to DH say 115 games, and catch another 35, he should still be good for 25+ home runs and 80 RBI–give or take. For the Yankees to move up the standings next season, keeping McCann in the fold is more important than trading him for yet another unproven prospect.