Former Diamondbacks pitcher reflects on 2001 World Series win
Former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Morgan spoke about the 2001 World Series and the current team at the club’s 2025 fantasy camp.
James McCann returns, will serve as the backup to catcher Gabriel Moreno.General manager Mike Hazen praised McCann’s defensive skills and veteran presence.
The Diamondbacks re-signed catcher James McCann on Friday, Nov. 21, bringing him back to serve as Gabriel Moreno’s backup after he played well for them over the final three months of this past season.
McCann received a one-year, $2.75 million deal. He can earn an additional $500,000 in bonuses based on days spent on the active roster.
McCann went unsigned for nearly all of last offseason before taking a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves less than a week before Opening Day. He opted out of that deal in June, then signed a major league deal with the Diamondbacks a day later.
He proceeded to hit .260/.324/.431 in 42 games, earning praise for his game-calling and handling of the pitching staff.
“I think he was a good complement to Gabi and a stabilizing force behind the plate,” Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said. “I think he does a good job calling a game, and the veteran presence of his spot in our clubhouse was important.
“And, obviously, he hit really well, but that’s not the main thrust of this. This is more of a defensive-minded decision for us with all the things he does behind the plate.”
McCann saw regular playing time for much of July and August as Moreno recovered from an injury. McCann continued to get significant playing time as the season progressed, including some instances in which manager Torey Lovullo preferred McCann behind the plate with Moreno serving as the designated hitter.
“Being a young catcher in this league, that is one of the biggest pieces for young catchers to figure out — calling a game, running a game, all that stuff,” Hazen said. “Gabi has done a good job with it, but there were times last year when — I don’t want to speak for Torey on the decision — but that he felt that was the right way to go, that it was about defense.”
Hazen said he liked the relationship that McCann and Moreno developed, and he said the club structured McCann’s contract the way it did — so that the bonuses were not tied to plate appearances — to try to maintain their rapport.
“We didn’t want to make it a competition,” Hazen said. “I think (their relationship) has been beneficial for us. James earning his bonuses isn’t about how much he plays. It’s about being active and on the roster, and I think that will help us complement Gabi in a way that we need to.”
Diamondbacks tender all arb-eligible players
The Diamondbacks tendered contracts to each of their eight arbitration-eligible players: right-handers Kevin Ginkel, Ryne Nelson, and Ryan Thompson, left-hander A.J. Puk, outfielders Jake McCarthy and Alek Thomas, first baseman Pavin Smith and Moreno.
The club non-tendered lefty Tommy Henry, who had been designated for assignment earlier in the week, and right-hander Taylor Rashi.
The Rashi decision freed up a 40-man roster spot for McCann.