Yankees Ink Brian McCann to 5-Year $85 Mil. Deal

Who says that the Yankees are concerned about adding to their payroll?

The Bronx Bombers made their first big move of the off-season by signing former Braves catcher Brian McCann to a five year $85 million deal, as was reported to me by Doug Rush of Yankees101.com.

This is a huge move for New York. For starters it takes the most prized free agent catcher in this year's class off the market and away from possible suitors like the Red Sox and Rangers. It also gives the Yankees a much needed bat in the lineup. This past season, the Yankees were banged up, missing pieces like Mark Tiexiera, Curtis Granderson and Derek Jeter throughout the season.

The signing also signals that the Yankees are not too concerned about what could happen with Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez is now waiting a ruling from an arbitrator in his appeal of MLB's 211 game ban. Rodriguez didn't do himself any favors by pounding a table and screaming in the court room before storming out, and running to his buddy Mike Francesa.

While A-Rod might drag his case to federal court, the likelihood that he will indeed be suspended increased with this weeks proceedings.

Therefore without A-Rod the Yankees can spend some money, and they did just that with McCann. McCann hit .256 with 20 homers and 56 RBI in 102 games for the Braves in 2013. He is only 29-years old, but it feels like he's been catching for forever in the ATL.

McCann's deal could exceed $100 million over six years, with the six year being an option year. He has has a full no-trade clause, another boon for New York.

Who will the Yankees add next? Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, there have been unconfirmed reports that Robinson Cano and Jay-Z are in Detroit talking to the Tigers. So stay tuned there as well.

I will discuss this trade with another Yankees101 writer, Karen Vankat on Sunday morning at 11 a.m. ET on MTR Radio.com with the OPEN MIKE PROGAM!