CHIPPER Jones, Barry Larkin and Brad Radke negotiated multi-year contract extensions with their own ballclubs, but even those big-name signings weren’t enough to dilute a free-agent class that has a chance to be one of the most star-studded in history.

The class is rich with starting pitchers (Mike Hampton, Mike Mussina, Denny Neagle, Darren Dreifort and Rick Reed), relievers (Robb Nen, John Wetteland, John Franco, Jeff Nelson, Turk Wendell).

There is neither a shortage of outfielders (Manny Ramirez, Juan Gonzalez, Jeffrey Hammonds, Ellis Burks, Jay Buhner, Derek Bell, Todd Hollandsworth) nor infielders (Alex Rodriguez, Andres Galarraga, Mike Bordick, Cal Ripken, Mark Grace, Will Clark).

Catchers Charles Johnson, Todd Hundley and Sandy Alomar Jr. also are eligible for free agency at season’s end.

The same two players make the most sense for both the Mets and Yankees to pursue. Hampton and Ramirez would make perfect fits for both teams.

“I’m wide open,” Hampton said. “We haven’t even started thinking about it.”

Raised in the South and proud of it, Hampton might favor raising his children in the South as well. That would give the Braves the inside track on landing the best available left-hander.

Ramirez grew up in Washington Heights and has hinted to some of his friends they will be able to see him play 81 games next season.

Alex Rodriguez, whom the Mariners will try to keep at almost all costs, can count on getting a record-breaking offer from the Dodgers if he opts out of Seattle.

The Mets? With 60 percent of their starting rotation (Hampton, Reed and Bobby Jones) and 33 percent of their bullpen (Franco and Wendell) eligible for free agency, must spend so much money keeping their pitching staff together they aren’t likely to have enough left over in the budget to pursue A-Rod.