Ex-Mets catcher James McCann agrees to one-year deal with Baltimore Orioles

McCann's departure comes shortly after New York signed Omar Narvaez.

Former New York Mets catcher James McCann has agreed to a one-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles, the team announced Friday. The deal is worth $2.5 million, according to multiple reports.

McCann, 32, was non-tendered by the Mets last month after hitting .232 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs in 121 games last season. He is a two-time All-Star and has also played for the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox.

The Orioles are hoping that McCann can provide some stability behind the plate after they traded away All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox in December. McCann is a solid defender and has a good arm, but he has struggled at the plate in recent years.

With McCann's departure and the signing of Omar Narvaez, the Mets now have a new look behind the plate. Narvaez is a switch-hitter who has been more productive at the plate than McCann in recent years. He is also a better defender than McCann, although he does not have as strong of an arm.

McCann's departure creates an opportunity for Francisco Alvarez

With McCann gone, the Mets now have an opportunity to give Francisco Alvarez more playing time behind the plate. Alvarez, 21, is one of the top prospects in baseball and is considered to be the Mets' catcher of the future.

Alvarez hit .272 with 27 home runs and 104 RBIs in 115 games at Double-A and Triple-A last season. He also stole 31 bases. Alvarez is a switch-hitter and has a strong arm behind the plate.

The Mets are expected to give Alvarez a chance to compete for the starting catching job during spring training. If Alvarez impresses, he could be the Mets' starting catcher on Opening Day.