The Best of the Day: December 12th, 2020

The ‘Best of the Day’ is a daily PSO original series showcasing the most significant highlights, facts, and stories going on in the land of the NFL, NBA, & MLB every day. Get a recap on EVERYTHING that happened on 12/12 here.

The New York Mets upgraded their roster after signing former White Sox catcher James McCann in free agency. McCann should be a solid addition, as he is solid both offensively and defensively. Also, after drafting Isaac Okoro with the fifth pick in the NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers appear have put together a young and talented core mixed in with solid veteran players. The future could potentially be bright in Cleveland in the post-LeBron era.

Here is the best of the day from December 12, 2020:

Story of the Day

Mets signed C James McCann to a 4y/$40M deal

In the first major signing of the Steve Cohen era, the New York Mets signed C James McCann to a 4y/$40M deal. The 30-year-old hit a career-high .289 with seven home runs and 15 RBIs in 31 games this past season while splitting catching duties with Yasmani Grandal for the White Sox. He also cut down on his strikeout rate after a career-worst 137 strikeouts in 2019. Despite his strikeout struggles in 2019, though, McCann earned his first All-Star selection when he slashed .273/.328/.460 while setting career-highs in home runs (18) and RBIs (60).

McCann made his major league debut in 2014 with the Tigers, where he spent the first five seasons of his career. Through seven major league seasons, McCann has a .249 batting average, but has set career-highs the last two seasons, with 65 career home runs and 252 RBIs. He is also reliable defensively, as he has thrown out 36.3 percent of runners attempting to steal over his career and made major strides in his strike-framing ability. This big free agency move by the Mets could be a sign of things to come in the Steve Cohen era.

The Mets on Saturday agreed to a four-year, $40 million-plus contract with free-agent catcher James McCann https://t.co/Hqp22lklQI
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) December 12, 2020

Related: MLB Offseason

Takeaway of the Day

For a primer on what the colors mean, click here. For CLEs full Team Outlook, click here

Cleveland Cavaliers are starting to build a really solid young core

Much like the first one, the second post-LeBron James era in Cleveland has been a struggle for the Cavaliers. They have been among the worst teams in the NBA over the past two seasons, owning a .259 win percentage (38-109 record). It’s not all doom and gloom for the Cavs though as they appear to be building a talented, young roster through the NBA Draft. Over the past three drafts, Cleveland has selected Collin Sexton in 2018, Darius Garland and Kevin Porter Jr. in 2019, and Isaac Okoro in 2020, giving Cleveland a solid young quartet to build around.

The Cavs appear to be set in the backcourt as Garland led the team in assists his rookie season and Sexton led in scoring. Porter flashed some potential coming off the bench, chipping in 10.0 points per game and Okoro will bring solid defense to a team that struggled in that department last season (29th in Defensive Rating). They also have established veterans and former All-Stars in Kevin Love and Andre Drummond. Cleveland may not be the most attractive city to live in, but it could be a solid free agent/trade destination for a star in the near future with a solid young supporting cast already in place.

Related: Cleveland Cavaliers Future Outlook

Fact of the Day

Saints have had a great season despite injuries to Brees & MT.

Drew Brees & Michael Thomas have only played 1.5 games together this year.

The Saints are still 10-2 this season.

New Orleans has one of the best organizations in football pic.twitter.com/Vsv7puVoVp
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) December 11, 2020

Related: Facts of the Day

Best Read of the Day

B/R: Predicting the Top 25 First Basemen in 2025

Best Read of the Day: Predicting the 25 Best 1st Baseman in 2025 by @JoelReuterBR ⬇️ https://t.co/9w7GZH0GDG
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) December 13, 2020

Most Valuable Intel: Nobody has a higher ceiling in the 2020s than Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

At just 21-years-old, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has unlimited potential and will just be entering his prime at the age of 26 in 2025. He has already played two seasons in the big leagues at an age where most players are just getting their feet wet in the minor leagues. While he hasn’t completely matched lofty expectations yet, his 109 OPS+ and 67 extra-base hits in 757 career MLB plate appearances are excellent for a player of his age. He has incredible offensive skills, as he was given an 80 hit grade, which is the highest possible grade for a prospect.

With his two major league seasons put together, Guerrero would have 21 HRs and 90 RBIs while slashing .269/.336/.442 over a 162-game average, all before the age of 22. He could potentially play third base in 2021, which he has mostly played so far, but he’ll likely move back to his natural position at first base eventually. Assuming he makes the move, and with his incredibly high hitting potential, Guerrero could take over as the best first basemen in the Majors and be a perennial batting title contender and MVP candidate.

Related: What’s Hot

PSO Content of the Day

These aren’t power rankings but updated Super Bowl rankings with one quarter left to go.

Updated 2020 Super Bowl rankings with 1 Qtr left:
1. #Packers
2. #Chiefs
3. #Saints
4. #Steelers
5. #Seahawks
6. #Titans

Could win if the above teams suffer key injuries:
#Rams, #Bucs, #Bills

*NOT WEEKLY POWER RANKINGS* https://t.co/wYDujb7eO6
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) December 12, 2020