Yankees Sign Brian McCann

You’re probably already aware that the Yankees have signed Brian McCann. Does it matter to a Mets fan?

On the one hand, this means McCann won’t be on the Braves, so from that perspective, it’s good. On the other hand, it also means that there’s a potential everyday spot for slugger Evan Gattis. He could turn out to be a one-year wonder, or, he could keep slugging. So, while many Mets fans have been wishing for Brian McCann to leave Atlanta for many years, there is the idiom, “be careful what you wish for.”

Also, McCann’s agreement with the Yankees means he won’t be playing for the Mets. Personally, I never thought that was a possibility, but there had been some noise in various outlets that the Mets might sign McCann and then use Travis d’Arnaud as trade bait. Rest assured, d’Arnaud’s spot behind the plate is secure for at least another day.

Oh, and then there is the size and cost of the contract: 5 years, $85M, which Jeff Wilpon probably deems “a little scary” for a 30-year-old catcher. First off, the deal further defines the current market for top-flight free agents. Secondly, it sets a base for what the Mets may have to pay d’Arnaud in the future. Considering d’Aranud isn’t arbitration-eligible until 2017, and can’t be a free agent until 2020, maybe this is premature. But, if d’Arnaud turns out to be as great as everyone is hoping, there could be pressure to lock up his arbitration years. Time flies … just something to think about.

What else did I miss? Any other way this signing affects the Mets, be it directly or indirectly? Your thoughts in general?