Atlanta Braves' Best Free-Agency Backup Plans If They Miss on Top Targets

The Atlanta Braves have generally focused more on trades and building from within the organization over recent years.

However, with the Braves trading Jason Heyward and actively shopping Justin Upton—as reported by the New York Post's Joel Sherman—they could open up some payroll to get players in the free-agent market.

Currently, the Braves' top two targets in free agency are pitcher Jon Lester and Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman and Jesse Sanchez.

Lester looks to be a long shot for Atlanta. For the Braves to be serious players, Lester would need to take a serious hometown discount.

The Braves seemed to be pushing for Tomas, but he signed a six-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

If the Braves miss out on one or both, they will turn their attention to backup options.

Here's a look at some of those backup options in free agency.

1. Edinson Volquez

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Edinson Volquez does not have the stardom of Jon Lester. However, he does possess quality stuff, and it would be less of a financial commitment to sign him.

Volquez is coming off a 2014 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates in which he won 13 games and posted a 3.04 ERA in 192.2 innings.

While the 31-year-old does have some control issues on the mound, he does have the ability to be a strikeout pitcher. In fact, his career 8.1 strikeouts per nine innings is comparable to Lester's 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

Volquez would be a nice consolation prize for the Braves if they lose out in the bidding war for Lester. 

2. Gavin Floyd

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Gavin Floyd has been a forgotten man this offseason.

Floyd suffered a rare, season-ending elbow injury last June when he fractured his olecranon in his right elbow.

Prior to the injury, the former first-round pick was putting together a solid season for the Braves with a 2-2 record and 2.65 ERA.

The injury is obviously a wild card in his signability, but according to a Rotoworld report, he's expected to be 100 percent for spring training.

If that's the case, the Braves would have to seriously consider bringing back the right-hander.

He would have the potential to be one of the best bargains on the market if he could return to his 2014 form.

3. Nori Aoki

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

Nori Aoki does not have the power that the Braves are looking for in Yasmany Tomas. However, Aoki would fill a void at the top of the order that the Braves have after trading away Jason Heyward.

The 32-year-old played a key role in helping the Kansas City Royals reach the World Series.

Aoki has been reliable in his first three seasons, as evidenced by his average (.288, .286, .285) and on-base percentage (.355, .356, .349).

Aoki would also come at both a cheaper price and shorter commitment than Tomas.

The Braves and Aoki could be a nice fit for both sides.

4. Michael Morse

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Michael Morse would provide power that the Braves have seemingly coveted in Tomas and could lose in Upton.

The 32-year-old enjoyed a solid 2014 season with the San Francisco Giants and came through with some clutch hits in the postseason to help the Giants win the World Series.

On paper, Morse would seem like a significant downgrade from Upton, but it may not be as much as you'd think.

Morse actually had a better average (.279) than Upton (.270) in 2014, and his OBP (.336) and OPS (.811) were not much different than Upton's (.342/.833).

To sign Morse, the Braves would be looking at giving a three-year deal.

Stay tuned to the Braves this offseason, as there will be lots of moves in the upcoming days and weeks.