Chicago White Sox: Three options for James McCann

2. Use McCann as the Team’s DH

Yasmani Grandal is going to get the lion’s share of the playing time at the catcher position and there is zero debate to be had about that.

While James McCann’s previous position is now out of the question, the White Sox could use him as their DH in 2020.

It actually could be a pretty effective situation for the team too. As of now, the team doesn’t really have a true option to start at DH.

By keeping McCann slotted in at that position, it could allow the team to mix and match in that spot and not have anyone locked in at that spot.

For example, had the White Sox been able to get J.D. Martinez this offseason, they would’ve been committing the DH spot to Martinez for however many years they agreed to with him.

However, McCann provides the team with the ability to give players, Jose Abreu and Yasmani Grandal in particular, rest at the DH position with McCann able to slide behind the plate on a whim.

On days Abreu needs rest, Grandal could move to first base, McCann could move behind the plate, and Abreu could DH.

McCann’s offense is a question mark long-term, though, as he’s only had an OPS over .700 twice in his career and his .359 BABIP in 2019 (FanGraphs) would suggest he’s due for regression.

And if you don’t believe it based off that stat alone, look no further than his first and second half splits.

Prior to the All-Star break, McCann had a .873 OPS while after the break, his OPS dipped almost .200 points to .694.

That being said, McCann is not necessarily doomed and a revolving DH spot between McCann, Grandal, and Abreu could work.