The Red Sox are reportedly eyeing an 11-year MLB veteran for a specific role

The Red Sox could have easily shared highly-rated prospect Kyle Teel and Connor Wong with catching duties next season.

But it looks like the Red Sox could go in a different direction.

With Danny Jansen joining the Tampa Bay Rays in free agency last week, a void remains at the backup catcher position, and the Red Sox are reportedly eyeing another experienced backstop for the role.

“Sources: The Red Sox are eyeing James McCann as they ramp up their efforts to find a backup catcher.” MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported Tuesday. “At least four teams believe it is serious.”

McCann is an 11-year MLB veteran and spent the last two seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. During his career, he also played for the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox and New York Mets.

The 34-year-old catcher moved to full-time backup three seasons ago and hit .234 with eight homers and 31 RBIs in 65 games with the Orioles last season. His offensive production was similar the season before, after hitting a career-worst .195 with the Mets in 2022. McCann’s best season was with the White Sox in 2019, when he hit .273 with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs and earned All-Star honors.

McCann is solid behind the dish defensively, as he caught 34.1% of base steals in 2023, leading the league. However, he committed eight errors last season, the most of his career.

There’s certainly no doubt about McCann’s toughness. In a game against the Toronto Blue Jays last season, he hit a 95 mph fastball to the face and stayed in the game. He is also praised for his leadership skills and being good teammates, which still makes him a sought-after player despite his declining skills in the later stages of his career.

Adding McCann would allow the Red Sox to take their time calling up Teel, who has just one full season of professional baseball under his belt after being drafted 14th overall in 2023. Teel hit .255 with two home runs and 18 RBIs in 28 games at Triple-A Worcester last season.

Boston’s reported interest in McCann could be a signal that they want to add more seasoning to Teel before handing the reins over to their prized young player.