MLB: Top Free Agent Starting Pitchers Available This Winter

Aug 17, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) walks to the dugout after being replaced in the seventh inning of their game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Braves won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

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Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Edinson Volquez (13-7, 3.04 ERA, 192.2 innings, ERA+ 117)

Volquez picked a perfect time to have a bounceback season. In 2013, he had a 9-12 record with a 5.71 ERA. He ended up starting the Wild Card play-in game this year.

The Pirates took a flyer on him after his miserable 2013, and paid him $5 million. It was money well spent for them. This offseason, however, it will take more than that to sign him.

Volquez, a friend of Francisco Liriano, saw how Liriano struggled before going to Pittsburgh. He then enjoyed a renaissance, there, and is ready to cash in. Volquez wanted the same thing for him. “I saw what happened to him the year before he signed here, he was struggling,” he said. “He signed with this team, and they made him better. They fixed him.”

Well, the Pirates helped Volquez as well. Now Volquez will be looking to cash in and sign a multiyear deal. He is about a year older than Liriano, and they both are in the middle to the end of the rotation starters.

Volquez will compete with his friend Liriano for a contract. The question on him is whether he can continue his success away from Pittsburgh, or is he a one year wonder?

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