What It Would Take for Atlanta Braves to Land Edinson Volquez

It's been a hectic week for the Atlanta Braves as they were officially eliminated from the postseason and subsequently fired general manager Frank Wren.

This looks to be an interesting offseason with a search for a general manager, the uncertainty of manager Fredi Gonzalez's future as well as potential significant roster changes.

This all comes at the heels of what looks to be the franchise's first losing season since 2008.

The Braves have never made free agency their priority when building a team, but they usually sign big names each offseason.

This year it was Ervin Santana who proved to be a nice addition by posting a 3.88 ERA in 190.1 innings this season.

I could see Edinson Volquez being a player the Braves could target in free agency this offseason.

The 31-year-old has enjoyed a solid 2014 season for the Pittsburgh Pirates by posting a 12-7 record with a 3.15 ERA in 185.2 innings.

For this to take place, the Braves would let go of Santana as he'll likely be offered a qualifying offer by the Braves and sign a multi-year deal elsewhere (Braves receive first-round compensation in this scenario).

It would also likely mean not re-signing Gavin Floyd as he recovers from the rare and ugly fractured elbow injury.

This would clear $18 million worth of payroll from the 2014 team.

Volquez made $5 million this year for the Pirates, which proved to be a bargain.

He recently stated he's seeking a two- or three-year deal this offseason.

I'd expect for Volquez to strike a deal in the $8 million range whereas Santana should sign around the $12 million range.

Volquez does not have the track record of Santana but teases with flashes of brilliant seasons that could prove to be a bargain for the Braves.

Their history of working with pitchers has been much more successful than hitters.

Volquez would likely benefit from pitching in a pitcher-friendly park in Turner Field.

He also still features quality stuff that could make him an effective pitcher in the postseason if the Braves can make it back to that point in 2015.

According to Fangraphs, Volquez has averaged 93 with his fastball this season.

He mixes in a plus changeup and curveball to give him three quality pitches. This is a solid foundation for the Braves' pitching staff to work with.

With the Braves likely trying to make changes while not taking on payroll, Volquez could be a perfect match.

He could fit in well with a rotation that features talented young hurlers as well as two pitchers who will be coming back from Tommy John surgery (Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy).

The Braves should receive a first-round pick when Santana signs elsewhere and could replace him with a pitcher just as effective at a better price.

We should know more when a general manager is in place, but I'd look at Volquez as an early target for the Braves in the offseason.