LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- Rob Richards stood in the crowd of autograph-seekers that had gathered along the third baseline at Coolray Field. He was wearing a Brian McCann jersey from one of the catcher's All-Star Game appearances as an Atlanta Brave.
Richards and his family made the 2 1/2-hour drive from Augusta to attend McCann's annual celebrity softball game to benefit the Rally Foundation's fight against childhood cancer -- and to make a plea to one of the biggest free agents on the market.
"We want to let him know we want him to stay," Richards said. "We'll keep our fingers crossed."
He isn't the only one.
Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman said he makes daily pitches to convince McCann to re-sign with the franchise he's been a part of since being drafted in 2002.
"It's weird seeing that he has a chance to go somewhere else," Freeman said. "He's been a Brave since he was 17 years old. It's definitely going to be weird if he's not with us next year. But that's my job in the offseason is to keep pitching to him."
On Nov. 4, the Braves made him a qualifying offer of $14.1 million for one year, which he has until Monday to accept or decline -- if McCann chooses to sign with another team, Atlanta will receive a compensatory pick in June's draft -- but with that clock winding down, McCann is staying mum on his future.
All conversations with McCann were kept to his work with the Rally Foundation, which he did say that regardless of where he winds up, he and his wife, Ashley, will continue to be involved with.
"This is such a great organization and great people and for such a great cause," he said. "We'll always have our name on this for sure."
McCann's agent, B.B. Abbott, has been quoted as saying his client is interested in the Rangers, with the Yankees and Red Sox also options, but he was noncommittal in his remarks Saturday, saying "We're very early in the process. Brian is exploring his options that he's due under the free-agency rules."
Abbott said he and McCann haven't discussed a specific timetable on when they'll make a decision, with his client being "very systematic with this whole entire process." While it's a business decision, it gets no easier given that McCann is an Atlanta-area product.
He made his debut as one of the Baby Braves in 2005 and would go on to be a seven-time All-Star selection and a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
"Obviously it's extremely tough," Abbott said. "He was born and raised here. He's an Atlanta guy and we're keeping the door open in Atlanta."
Bidding is expected to start with five years and $75 million, with some speculating McCann, who turns 30 in February, could wind up getting closer to $100 million.
Those numbers are likely too rich for the Braves, who have just $43 million in guaranteed salary for 2014, but also have impending raises coming for Freeman, Jason Heyward, Chris Johnson, Craig Kimbrel and Kris Medlen in arbitration.
Last season McCann produced his sixth straight season of 20-plus home runs in just 402 plate appearances as he missed the first 30 games as he rehabbed from shoulder surgery. He hit .256/.336/.461 a .797 OPS that was sixth among all National League catchers.
With the growing likelihood that McCann won't return, the Braves will likely turn to Evan Gattis, who hit .243/.291/.480 with 21 home runs and 65 RBI and was twice named NL Rookie of the Month. They also have veteran Gerald Laird under contract for one more season, with prized prospect Christian Bethancourt waiting in the wings.
"I don't think I have a say in any of it and obviously I'd like to see him back," Medlen said. "It's a business and whatever happens, it's going to be the best for him, his family and his situation. I'll be nothing but happy for him."
Saturday's events opened with a home run derby and amid the collection of athletes and celebrities on hand, the host emerged to lead things off.
As McCann strode toward the batter's box, the fans erupted and the stadium public address announce broke in, saying "Welcome once again, Atlanta Braves catcher, Brian McCann."
It was potentially the last time he'll make a public appearance as a Brave, which wasn't lost on those in attendance.
"I hope not. Brian, he's like Chipper (Jones). He's part of the Atlanta Braves," Richards said. "I hope he stays."
