Astros acquire McCann from Yanks for 2 Minor League pitchers

HOUSTON — Brian McCann seemed like a perfect fit for the Astros, a left-handed-hitting catcher who could still provide some offensive punch while giving them some veteran leadership. The Astros pulled off a deal on Thursday to acquire McCann, sending Minor League pitchers Albert Abreu and Jorge Guzman to the Yankees.

McCann is the Astros’ second key acquisition in as many days. The club signed right-handed pitcher Charlie Morton to a two-year contract on Wednesday in a move to add depth and experience to the rotation. Morton threw to McCann as a member of the Braves, and they were part of the same draft class with Atlanta in 2002.

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The Astros are responsible for $23 million ($11.5 million per year) of the $34 million McCann is set to earn over the next two seasons, a source told MLB.com. He also has a $15 million team option for 2019. The signing of McCann means the Astros will say goodbye to catcher Jason Castro, a free agent who was the longest-tenured Astros player (2010, ’12-16) at the end of last season.

“It really checks a lot of boxes for us coming into the offseason,” Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. “Coming into the offseason, signing a catcher was a key priority for us and there were some options out there, but we focused early on McCann and started talking to the Yankees about him.

“It took a little while for the deal to get done, but I couldn’t be more excited. He brings veteran leadership into our clubhouse after being on numerous high-caliber teams and working …

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