2025 Arizona Diamondbacks Player Review: Spotlight on James McCann
Overview
- Rating: 7.13
- 2025 Statistics: .260 batting average, .324 on-base percentage, .431 slugging percentage, 107 OPS+, 1.0 bWAR
- Date of Birth: June 13, 1990
- 2025 Earnings: League minimum, prorated
- 2026 Status: Signed a one-year contract with the Diamondbacks early in the offseason.
2025 Performance Review
James McCann made his debut with the Diamondbacks on June 25th, stepping in at a crucial time when Gabi Moreno was sidelined due to a broken finger. The prospect of relying on a combination of Herrera and ADC was less than ideal, so bringing in McCann, who had recently parted ways with the Braves—where he struggled to secure a spot on the MLB roster after signing a minor league deal—proved beneficial for both parties involved.
McCann, a seasoned veteran with twelve years of experience, quickly became a significant asset for the team following his acquisition. He played a vital role in the Diamondbacks’ resurgence during the latter half of the season. Offensively, he delivered solid performances, hitting five home runs and six doubles across 42 games, while also contributing 17 runs batted in. His OPS+ of 107 marked his best performance since posting a remarkable 143 in 2020, or more realistically, a 108 in 2019. When compared to other options available to the Diamondbacks, his contribution was almost a blessing for the team, which likely explains his high rating in our evaluations.
However, despite these respectable offensive statistics, there weren’t any standout moments that defined his season—no game that could be dubbed "The James McCann Game." Nonetheless, his consistent offensive output throughout most games provided invaluable support to the team.
The most substantial impact McCann had on the Diamondbacks was his reliability as a catcher. He offered much-needed stability in a position plagued by injuries and underwhelming performances, effectively taking over for Herrera, who had long overstayed his welcome, while ensuring ADC remained as the third-string or emergency catcher whenever possible.
Moreover, McCann positively influenced the pitching staff. His Catcher’s ERA stood at 4.07, which was superior to both Moreno and Herrera, earning him high praise from the pitchers and coaching staff alike. Notably, Zac Gallen credited McCann with restoring his confidence in his fastball, a factor that directly contributed to Gallen’s notable improvements in the second half of the season. Manager Torey Lovullo described McCann's interactions with the pitchers as “PhD level stuff,” indicating that these discussions significantly enhanced the performance of the entire pitching staff.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Shortly after the conclusion of the season, McCann signed a one-year contract worth $2.75 million to continue with the Diamondbacks in a backup capacity behind Gabi Moreno. This decision can only be viewed positively for the team, as McCann's strengths in game management and pitcher handling complement Moreno’s weaknesses in those areas. Additionally, McCann serves as a capable replacement should Moreno face further injuries in the future. Moving forward, it would be beneficial for McCann to spend more time working with younger pitchers, extending the same successful results he achieved with Zac Gallen.
