Brian McCann expected to decline qualifying offer on Monday

Sep 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) puts his arm around catcher Brian McCann (16) in the dugout during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field. The Braves won 12-5. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Just one week ago, we were bringing you information about the Braves issuing Brian McCann a $14.1 qualifying offer for 2014, but today, we’ve got an update on that prospect from Mark Bowman.

To be honest, McCann’s decision to decline the qualifying offer is the definition of a no-brainer. No one (literally) expected him to even entertain a 1-year deal with the potential prospect of a $100+ million mega-contract on the horizon, and Bowman’s report is simply a confirmation of that.

The Braves are smart enough to know that McCann is all but out the door, and the only possibility of him returning in the first place would have been the 29-year-old catcher accepting a significant hometown discount on a multi-year extension. With no sign of that as a likelihood (or even a remote possibility), all signs point toward Frank Wren moving forward with Evan Gattis as the everyday catcher next season, and Gerald Laird (or prospect Christhian Bethancourt) there to provide support.

McCann, who is a graduate of nearby Duluth High School, has been a stalwart in the Atlanta lineup since his call-up in 2005 (with 176 career home runs and an OPS over .800 from the catcher position), but the time is rapidly approaching for acclimation to life without him in a Braves uniform.