MLB Trade Rumors: Braves reunion with Brian McCann appears to be a long shot

It has been rumored for months that the Braves could swing a deal with the Yankees to bring veteran catcher Brian McCann back to Atlanta. But if a recent report from MLB's Mark Bowman is to be believed, it seems like the Braves will need to look elsewhere to solidify the catcher position.

From Bowman's latest mailbag:

Last week, I mentioned it would be wise for the Braves to keep tabs on Brian McCann in the event the Yankees would be willing to significantly lower their asking price and would also be willing to eat a significant portion of his remaining contract, but this appears to be a long shot. Instead, Atlanta will likely evaluate other trade options and possibly determine whether it makes sense to take a chance on one of risky free agents or simply allow Anthony Recker to serve as Tyler Flowers' backup.

Bowman doesn't rule anything out, of course, but if the Yankees aren't willing to budge on their demands, it seems the Braves won't be a player for McCann. New York will have a handful of teams call about Mac, which will allow them to keep the asking price high. You will recall they once asked for Ender Inciarte and Mike Foltynewicz in return, which probably prompted John Coppolella to wonder if he was on an episode of Punk'd before hanging up the phone.

As we've touched on many times here, there are reasons both for and against trading for McCann. He's still hitting well and is under contract for two more years at $17 million annually. He provides a strong presence in the clubhouse and draws praise from pitchers for his ability to call a game. He would seemingly form a strong platoon with Tyler Flowers.

The concerns are obvious; he's a 33-year-old catcher with 15+ years of wear on his knees. Even if the Yankees pick up some of the $17 million he's owed in 2017 and 2018, Mac isn't exactly cheap for a team expected to have a payroll somewhere in the range of $100-110 million. His power would also dip substantially should he leave Yankee Stadium, a left-handed hitter's paradise.

Stay tuned...