Brian McCann News: 6 MLB Teams Who'd Chase Him Hard as 2014 Free Agent

Brian McCann will be a free agent in 2014.

Being a local talent, the Braves are going to do everything they can to ensure he stays in Atlanta, not even letting him test the free-agent market.

There's no doubt that McCann has earned the right to get paid big bucks, as he's averaged 22 home runs and 86 RBI. Plus, he's won five out of six Silver Sluggers and been named to six All-Star teams since he's been in the league.

So, needless to say, he'll be worth every penny to whoever signs him.

My hope is, as is the hope of many Braves fans, that McCann stays home with the Braves throughout his career.

However, in a game of monstrous contracts for top players, anything can happen.

With that said, here are six teams that are going to make a run at McCann should he become a free agent in 2014.

Atlanta Braves

This one is an obvious choice.

The Braves are going to do everything they can to ensure McCann stays in Atlanta for the rest of his career.

With Chipper Jones set to retire after this year or next, McCann is going to be the face of the franchise soon.

Being the face of the franchise means he's going to get a nice raise. The only question is, will Liberty Media pony up the money to ensure he stays?

Currently, McCann is the fourth-highest-paid catcher behind Joe Mauer ($23 million), Victor Martinez ($12 million) and Yadier Molina ($7 million this year, $14 million next year).

I expect McCann to be somewhere in between $14 million and $23 million, to become the second-highest-paid catcher in the league.

The Braves won't be able to provide Joe Mauer-type dollars, but they'll get close. So, hopefully that means McCann will give the Braves the hometown discount so he can stay near home for the rest of his career.

New York Yankees

Sure, the Yankees have Russell Martin, Francisco Cervelli and Gary Sanchez (High-A) that can fill the catcher's role nicely.

Even with Sanchez expected to make his big-league debut in 2014 when McCann can become a free agent, the Yankees are still going to pursue him, because they're the Yankees.

They are one of the few teams that could and probably will offer McCann the richest catcher contract in baseball.

If the Yankees do that, it will be very hard for McCann to turn it down.

It's because of teams like the Yankees that the Braves need to get McCann locked up sometime during this season or in the offseason next year.

Chicago Cubs

This would be an obvious move for the Cubs.

Geovany Soto will be a free agent at the same time as McCann, and Theo Epstein can really make a splash by getting the best catcher in the game.

Another reason this would make sense for the Cubs is the fact that there are no top catching prospects in their system and there is still a need for good leadership in the clubhouse.

Plus, the Cubs owners have given Epstein the right to pursue any player he wants, no matter the cost. That makes the Cubs a dangerous possibility.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The addition of McCann could make the Dodgers one of the most dangerous teams in 2014.

Currently, the Dodgers have some great centerpieces in Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp.

Adding McCann would provide a proven veteran behind the plate, and might encourage some free-agent pitchers join Kershaw in L.A.

Of course, this all hinges on Frank McCourt selling the team.

The longer this whole thing drags out, the worse it's going to get for the Dodgers.

Miami Marlins

This is one that every Braves fan would hate to see.

With Jeffrey Loria opening up his wallet, the Marlins are legitimate contenders for McCann's services.

To have to face McCann 18 games a year is not in the best interest of the Braves should he leave via free agency.

When you add McCann to the likes of Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes and Giancarlo Stanton, you're looking at a very deadly lineup.

Milwaukee Brewers

This might be a little bit of a stretch, but I could see McCann going to the Brewers.

With Ryan Braun in the middle of the lineup and an excellent pitching staff, McCann could be what it takes to keep the Brewers competing for years to come.

Like I said before, this is probably not going to happen, but it's still a definite possibility.