The Texas Rangers are making a strong push to sign free-agent catcher Brian McCann, proverbially "knocking his door down" in an attempt to bring him to Arlington, reports Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston.
Rangers rumors: Texas pushing hard to sign Brian McCann
The Rangers’ interest in McCann isn’t just a passing fancy. Jon Daniels and company are reportedly “knocking down his door.” Figuratively, we hope.
USA TODAY Sports
More Rangers: Re-sign Matt Garza? Or no?
McCann, 29, is widely regarded as the best catcher available this winter, and the Rangers have been tied to the former Braves backstop since at least late October. Texas re-signed Geovany Soto early to take one of their catching roster spots, but it obviously hasn't affected their desire to bring McCann into the fold.
While Texas is pushing hard to woo McCann, they aren't the only team with deep pockets who's shown interest in the seven-time all-star. The Yankees are the presumed favorite to sign the catcher this winter, with one GM matter-of-factly proclaiming this week that McCann "will end up with the Yankees." The Red Sox also emerged early as a potential landing spot for McCann, but it's now believed that his price tag is too high for Boston.
McCann is expected to get a deal in the range of $75-100 million over five or six years. As he was also tendered a qualifying offer by the Braves, he carries with him the added baggage of potentially costing his new team its top pick in the 2014 Draft. The Yankees have three compensation picks from their own qualifying offers to buffer the loss of their first-round pick, while the Rangers have one.
More from SB Nation MLB:
See More:
