Career Timeline of James McCann (baseball): Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how James McCann (baseball) made an impact.

James Thomas McCann, nicknamed "McCannon", is a professional baseball catcher currently playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks in MLB. Prior to his tenure with the Diamondbacks, McCann played for the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, and Baltimore Orioles. His career has primarily focused on his role as a catcher in Major League Baseball.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2008: All-League First Team and MLB Draft

In 2008, James McCann was named to the all-league first team in the Channel League. The White Sox also drafted McCann in the 31st round of the 2008 MLB draft, but he opted to attend college at Arkansas.

2009: Reached College World Series

In 2009, as a freshman at Arkansas, James McCann teamed with future big leaguers to help the Razorbacks reach the 2009 College World Series.

2010: Played Collegiate Summer Baseball

In 2010, James McCann played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2011: Played for United States National Baseball Team

In 2011, James McCann played for the United States national baseball team in the 2011 Baseball World Cup and the 2011 Pan American Games, winning the silver medal in the latter.

2011: Drafted by Detroit Tigers

In 2011, James McCann was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the second round of the 2011 MLB draft, and he signed with the team and made his professional debut.

2012: Invited to Spring Training

In 2012, James McCann was invited to spring training by the Tigers. He began the 2012 season with the Lakeland Flying Tigers and was later promoted to the Erie SeaWolves.

2013: Appeared in All-Star Futures Game

In 2013, after adjusting his offensive approach, James McCann appeared in the All-Star Futures Game.

September 1, 2014: Called Up to MLB

On September 1, 2014, James McCann was called up by the Detroit Tigers, making his MLB debut that day.

September 19, 2014: First MLB Start

On September 19, 2014, James McCann got his first MLB start, catching for Justin Verlander against the Kansas City Royals, and had two hits and a stolen base.

2014: Played with Toledo Mud Hens

In 2014, James McCann began the season with the Toledo Mud Hens of the Triple-A International League.

April 29, 2015: First Major League Home Run

On April 29, 2015, James McCann hit his first major league home run, which was an inside-the-park home run.

May 21, 2015: First Conventional Home Run

On May 21, 2015, James McCann hit his first conventional home run, a walk-off in the 11th inning to give the Tigers a 6–5 victory over the Houston Astros.

June 28, 2015: Walk-Off Home Run Against White Sox

On June 28, 2015, James McCann hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th inning, giving the Tigers a 5–4 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

2015: Set Modern Major League Record

In 2015, James McCann set the modern major league record for the number of consecutive games played at catcher to start a career without an error, finishing the season with no errors in 112 games at catcher.

May 31, 2016: Error-Free Record Ended

On May 31, 2016, James McCann's Major League record of 139 games to start a career at catcher without committing an error ended.

January 11, 2018: Signed One-Year Deal with Tigers

On January 11, 2018, the Tigers signed James McCann to a one-year deal worth $2.375 million, avoiding arbitration.

November 30, 2018: Non-Tendered by Tigers

On November 30, 2018, the Tigers non-tendered James McCann, making him a free agent.

December 19, 2018: Signed with Chicago White Sox

On December 19, 2018, James McCann signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.

2019: Named to MLB All-Star Game

In 2019, James McCann was named to the MLB All-Star Game as a member of the White Sox.

August 25, 2020: Caught Lucas Giolito's No-Hitter

On August 25, 2020, James McCann was the catcher when Lucas Giolito threw the 19th no-hitter in White Sox history.

December 15, 2020: Signed with New York Mets

On December 15, 2020, James McCann signed a four-year, $40.6 million contract with the New York Mets.

2020: Caught No-Hitter

In 2020, James McCann caught a no-hitter pitched by Lucas Giolito while playing for the White Sox.

December 21, 2022: Traded to Baltimore Orioles

On December 21, 2022, the Mets traded James McCann to the Baltimore Orioles.

2022: Caught No-Hitter with Mets

In 2022, James McCann caught a no-hitter with the Mets, pitched by Tylor Megill, Drew Smith, Joely Rodríguez, Seth Lugo, and Edwin Díaz.

January 13, 2023: Luis De La Cruz Sent to Mets

On January 13, 2023, minor league outfielder Luis De La Cruz was sent to the Mets to complete the trade for James McCann.

August 15, 2023: Pitched in MLB Game

On August 15, 2023, James McCann pitched in an MLB game for the first time, throwing a scoreless eighth inning in a loss to the San Diego Padres.

July 6, 2024: Pitched in MLB Game Against Oakland Athletics

On July 6, 2024, James McCann pitched in an MLB game against the Oakland Athletics, surrendering a two-run homer to Kyle McCann.

March 17, 2025: Signed Minor League Contract with Braves

On March 17, 2025, James McCann signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.

June 23, 2025: Signed Major League Contract with Diamondbacks

On June 23, 2025, James McCann signed a major league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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