Free agent McCann declines Braves’ qualifying offer

ORLANDO — Free agent Brian McCann declined the Braves' one-year, $14.1 million qualifying Monday to the surprise of no one, and a bidding war for the seven-time All-Star catcher could soon commence.

McCann has drawn interest from about 10 teams, his agent B.B. Abbott said. He didn’t name teams, but it’s known the Yankees, Red Sox and Rangers are among those who’ve called and are expected to make strong pushes for McCann.

“Absolutely expected,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said of the declined offer, which doesn’t preclude McCann and the team from having further contract discussions. “B.B. and I have touched base today. We’ll continue to talk.”

Abbott said, “We have ongoing and open dialogue (with the Braves) and will continue that throughout this process.”

But the Braves, with payroll constraints and about half of their returners eligible for arbitration, aren’t expected to get into a bidding war for McCann. The Georgia native has spent his entire career with the Braves and been one of their most popular players, but they have younger, cheaper catching options in Evan Gattis and prospect Christian Bethancourt.

It’s believed McCann will get offers worth at least the five-year, $75 million contract that Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina signed nearly two years ago, and possibly closer to $100 million if the Yankees or Red Sox pull out the stops.

By making the qualifying offer, the Braves are assured a compensatory draft pick between the first and second rounds if he signs elsewhere. Thirteen free agents received qualifying offers last week.