Yankees trade Brian McCann to the Astros in three-player deal
The New York Yankees have rid themselves of another veteran with a bloated contract. The rebuilding Yankees — isn’t that funny to say? — have traded catcher Brian McCann to the Houston Astros in a three-player deal, the clubs announced Thursday.
In return for McCann, the Yankees are getting two pitchers from the Astros’ farm system — Albert Abreu and Jorge Guzman. Abreu was the Astros’ No. 7 prospect, according to MLB.com. Some money is going to Houston along with McCann too, according to the Yankees, no doubt to help with McCann’s big contract.
TRADE: The @Yankees have acquired RHPs Albert Abreu and Jorge Guzman from Houston for C Brian McCann and cash considerations.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) November 17, 2016
The Astros hope that McCann, 32, will be their solution behind the plate. He’s a 12-year veteran and seven-time All-Star who hit 20 homers last season for the Yankees with a .242 average. But the emergence of AL Rookie of the Year runner-up Gary Sanchez for the Yankees made McCann expendable in the Bronx.
It didn’t help matters that he’s owed $17 million the next two seasons with a $15 million vested team option for 2019. The Astros are losing catcher Jason Castro in free agency and don’t feel confident enough that Max Stassi could take over. Plus, McCann will add a veteran presence to their clubhouse and a little more oomph in their lineup.
According to our own Jeff Passan, McCann is just the first piece for the Astros who are trying to overtake the Texas Rangers atop the AL West.
Sources: Astros aren't done after trading for Brian McCann. They're still looking to shore up their lineup, could finalize free agent soon.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 17, 2016
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Mike Oz is the editor of Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at mikeozstew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz
