How big? Try five years at $85 million. The deal also includes a sixth year vesting option that could bring the contract to $100 million. The deal is pending a physical, according to the report.
McCann was talking to the Texas Rangers as well, but Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News said talks had broken off.
The Yankees are in crying need of an upgrade at catcher. After letting Russell Martin walk last winter they saw receivers average .213 in 2013.
With the Atlanta Braves, Martin hit .256 with 20 home runs and 57 RBIs. He has hit at least 20 homers in seven of the past eight seasons.
The Braves made a qualifying offer to McCann, so the Yankees would forfeit the 18th overall pick in the 2014 amateur draft to them.
Earlier this week Braves starter Tim Hudson signed a free-agent deal with the San Francisco Giants.
McCann was linked to the Yankees more than two weeks again, SN's Justin McGuire wrote. The bronx “certainly a place that is on Brian's radar," his agent, B.B. Abbott, told the New York Daily News. "How could it not be? You've got an historic franchise and a great park, knowledgeable fans and a chance to win, which is what every guy plays the game for. From Brian's standpoint, it would be an attractive place to listen to.”
Francisco Cervelli likely will be relegated to backup duties, catching when McCann takes days off or is used as a designated hitter.
The Yankees' search for a long-term solution at catcher thus climaxes with possibly the best option since Jorge Posada retired in 2011.
Take a look at the stat lines: Yankees backstops hit .213/.289/.298 in 2013, all figures among the worst in baseball. McCann, a seven-time All-Star, hit .256/.336/.461.
RANGERS, LEWIS AGREE TO DEAL
The Texas Rangers and pitcher Colby Lewis have agreed on a minor league contract and an invitation to major league spring training.
Financial terms were not released Saturday.
The 34-year-old Lewis spent the entire 2013 season on the disabled list. He became a free agent at the end of the season.
Lewis had surgery in July 2012 to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow. Lewis on Aug. 22 underwent season-ending right hip resurfacing surgery and continues with rehab.
WALTERS AMONG ROYALS' SIGNEES
The Royals have signed six players to minor league contracts, including right-hander P.J. Walters, who made eight starts for the rival Minnesota Twins last season.
Kansas City will announce big league spring training invites at a later date.
Also signed to minor league deals on Saturday were third baseman Brandon Laird, who's had major league stints each of the last three season; outfielders Gorkys Hernandez, Paulo Orlando and Edinson Rincon; and right-hander Wilking Rodriguez, who was limited last season by a shoulder injury.
The 28-year-old Walters could provide some depth for the Royals after going 2-5 with a 5.95 ERA last season. But he'll be a long shot to make the staff out of spring training.
Contributors: The Associated Press, Jason O. Boyd
