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 an American professional baseball catcher currently playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks in MLB. Prior to joining the Diamondbacks, McCann played for several other MLB teams, including the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, and Baltimore Orioles. As a catcher, he is responsible for receiving pitches and directing the defense.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2008: All-League First Team Selection and Drafted by White Sox

In 2008, James McCann was named to the all-league first team in the Channel League for the third consecutive year and was drafted by the White Sox in the 31st round of the MLB draft; however, he opted to attend college instead.

2009: College World Series Appearance

In 2009, James McCann, as a freshman at the University of Arkansas, helped the Razorbacks reach the College World Series, teaming with future big leaguers.

2010: Played in Cape Cod Baseball League

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

2011: Won Silver Medal in Pan American Games

In 2011, James McCann played for the United States national baseball team, winning a silver medal in the 2011 Pan American Games.

2011: Drafted by Detroit Tigers and Professional Debut

In 2011, James McCann was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the second round of the MLB draft and made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast League Tigers before being promoted to the West Michigan Whitecaps.

2012: Spring Training Invitation and Promotion to Erie

In 2012, James McCann was invited to spring training by the Tigers and received a promotion to the Erie SeaWolves on June 6, after starting the season with the Lakeland Flying Tigers.

2013: All-Star Futures Game Appearance

In 2013, after adjusting his offensive approach, James McCann appeared in the All-Star Futures Game, marking a significant step in his development.

September 1, 2014: MLB Debut with Detroit Tigers

On September 1, 2014, James McCann made his MLB debut for the Detroit Tigers, replacing catcher Alex Avila in the bottom of the ninth inning.

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. He had two hits, a stolen base, and scored twice.

2014: Played for Toledo Mud Hens

In 2014, James McCann played for the Toledo Mud Hens, the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, where he batted .295 with seven home runs.

April 29, 2015: First Major League Home Run

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

May 21, 2015: First Conventional Home Run and Walk-Off

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

June 28, 2015: Second Walk-Off Home Run

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: MLB Leader in Fielding Percentage

In 2015, James McCann finished the season with no errors in 112 games played at catcher, leading all MLB catchers in fielding percentage and earning the nickname "McCannon."

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

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

November 30, 2018: Non-Tendered and Became a Free Agent

On November 30, 2018, the Detroit Tigers non-tendered James McCann, and he became a free agent, ending his tenure with the team.

December 19, 2018: Signed with the Chicago White Sox

On December 19, 2018, James McCann signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, starting a new chapter in his career.

2019: Career-Best Season and All-Star Selection

In 2019, James McCann had his best start to a major league season, leading to an invitation to his first All-Star Game where he had a single in his only plate appearance.

2019: MLB All-Star Game Selection

In 2019, James McCann was named to the MLB All-Star Game as a member of the Chicago White Sox, marking a significant achievement in his career.

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, adding a significant achievement to his career.

December 15, 2020: Signed with the New York Mets

On December 15, 2020, James McCann signed a four-year, $40.6 million contract with the New York Mets, marking a significant move in his career.

2020: Caught No-Hitter Pitched by Lucas Giolito

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

2021: Played in 112 Games for the Mets

In 2021, James McCann appeared in 112 games for the New York Mets, batting .232 with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs.

December 21, 2022: Traded to the Baltimore Orioles

On December 21, 2022, James McCann was traded by the New York Mets to the Baltimore Orioles, with cash considerations.

2022: Caught No-Hitter With the Mets

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

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 involving James McCann.

August 15, 2023: Pitched in MLB Game for the First Time

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

July 6, 2024: Second Pitching Appearance in MLB Game

On July 6, 2024, James McCann made his second pitching appearance in an MLB game with the Orioles, giving up a two-run homer to Kyle McCann in a loss to the Oakland Athletics.

March 17, 2025: Signed Minor League Contract with Atlanta Braves

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

June 23, 2025: Signed Major League Contract with Arizona Diamondbacks

On June 23, 2025, James McCann signed a major league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, getting another opportunity in the major leagues.

November 21, 2025: Re-signed with Diamondbacks

On November 21, 2025, James McCann re-signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a one-year, $2.75 million contract, continuing his baseball career with the team.