James McCann

About

James McCann excelled as a catcher at the University of Arkansas, helping the Razorbacks reach the 2009 College World Series while teaming with future big leaguers Dallas Keuchel and Drew Smyly. After being selected by the White Sox in the 31st round of the 2008 MLB draft out of high school but choosing college instead, McCann was drafted by the Detroit Tigers and developed through their minor league system. He made his MLB debut with Detroit in 2014 and spent five seasons with the Tigers before signing with the Chicago White Sox, where he earned his first All-Star selection in 2019 and caught Lucas Giolito's 2020 no-hitter. McCann later played for the New York Mets (2021-2022), where he caught a combined no-hitter by five pitchers in 2022, followed by a stint with the Baltimore Orioles before joining the Arizona Diamondbacks. His decade-plus experience catching at the highest level gives him expert insight into game calling, pitch framing, and the mental aspects of handling a major league pitching staff.

Career