Brian McCann close to deal with Yankees, Rangers out of running

Evan Grant writes that, per two sources, the Rangers are no longer in the running for free agent catcher Brian McCann, and McCann is about to agree to a long-term deal with the New York Yankees.

McCann is one of the top free agents in this class, and many felt that the Rangers were the most likely destination for McCann.  However, there were stories indicating that the Rangers viewed him as more of a Mike Napoli type 1B/DH/C than a true starting catcher, which would make it unlikely that they would spend the money that it would take to land McCann.

Geovany Soto is currently the Rangers' starting catcher, and Texas has added Prince Fielder via trade, although they apparently are still looking to upgrade at some combination of 1B, DH and LF.  The Rangers also need another catcher, either as a backup or to share the regular duties with Soto.

UPDATE -- Ken Rosenthal tweets that, per a source, the Yankees "remain in serious discussions" with McCann, but a deal isn't imminent.

UPDATE II -- Multiple folks on Twitter say that a 5 year, $85 million deal between McCann and the Yankees is being finalized, with an option year that could make the deal worth $100 million.

At 5 years, $85 million, I'd have been on board with signing McCann, and if that was the price, I'm surprised the Rangers didn't go harder after him.

UPDATE III -- McCann is reportedly getting a full no-trade clause with this deal.

More from Lone Star Ball:

• Rumors: Texas Rangers after Brian McCann, according to Gordon Edes
• Brian McCann Poll
• Simulated Winter Meetings -- What the Rangers did
• Texas Rangers sign Colby Lewis
• Rumors: Texas Rangers looking at Shin-Soo Choo