McCann close to signing with the Yankees

Photo from CBS Sports

Conor Frederick (@ConorJF1016)
Contributing Writer

Brian McCann is closing in on a deal with the New York Yankees, according to MLB Trade Rumors. The news was originally broke by Ken Rosenthal via Twitter (see tweet below) and was initially reported by Rosenthal to be 5 years and $80 million, but was later reported by Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News that the deal could be $90 million or more. Two sources also told Ken Rosenthal that the Colorado Rockies made a late run at McCann.

Source: McCann close with #Yankees on five-year deal for more than $80M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 23, 2013

Am told McCann deal with Yankees will be worth close to $90 million, if not more
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) November 23, 2013

Two other sources say #Rockies made late, strong run at McCann. Team earlier had bid $63M on Jose Abreu, per @TroyRenck
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 23, 2013

So, what does this mean for the Red Sox? If the deal is finalized, the Red Sox best options will probably be re-signing Jarrod Saltalamacchia or going after Dioner Navarro of the Cubs. Navarro, who hit .300 with 13 home runs and 34 RBI's with the Cubs in 89 games, might be an upgrade over Salty defensively and has some familiarity with the AL East after spending 5 years with the Tampa Bay Rays. Navarro has a career caught stealing percentage near 30%, opposed to 23% for Salty, so that might be an incentive for the Red Sox to go after him instead of re-signing Salty.

Thoughts? Let me know on Twitter or leave a comment.

Update: Ken Rosenthal tweeted out that the final contract is wort 5 years, $85 million, with an option for a 6th year that would bring it up to $100 million.

Source: McCann deal with #Yankees is 5/85 with sixth-year vesting option that could bring it to 6/100.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 23, 2013