MLB Trade Rumors: Latest on Marlon Byrd, Miguel Montero and More

If the bevy of rumors starting off the 2014 MLB offseason come true, then we're in for a ton of player movement this winter.

The Toronto Blue Jays got things started by dealing designated hitter Adam Lind to the Milwaukee Brewers for pitcher Marco Estrada. Lind is a quality bat to add to a lineup, and the fact that he was dealt so soon could be indicative of the type of offseason we're about to experience.

How many other players will relocate over the course of the next few months? At least a handful will, but there's definitely the potential for more. Below are the latest trade rumors in the early stages of the winter.

Marlon Byrd

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Marlon Byrd continues to produce in his late 30s, as he hit 25 home runs in his first season with the Philadelphia Phillies. His first season in Philly could also end up being his last, however. He could very well be on the move, as reported by Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal:

"The Phillies are willing to move any player on their roster, but their most popular target in early trade discussions might surprise you.

"According to major-league sources, it's right fielder Marlon Byrd."

That said, MLB Daily Dish's Chris Cotillo tweeted that his four-team no-trade clause has changed:

Byrd, 37, is still a quality bat to have in the middle of the lineup. The Phils could certainly still use that bat, but it makes sense to deal him. For one, his value probably won't get any higher. Secondly, a small rebuild will likely occur this offseason. He's a valuable trade chip.

He still has a strong arm in the outfield and moves well enough to make most plays, but Byrd is probably a better fit for an American League club that can give him at-bats at designated hitter now and again.

The Oakland Athletics are desperate for offense, so they're a team to watch. A number of other teams could be in the mix if the Phils don't ask the world for their aging outfielder.

Miguel Montero

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

The Arizona Diamondbacks have a valuable 31-year-old catcher in Miguel Montero, meaning he could fetch a nice return if the team chooses to move him. Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports that could be the case:

"

In an interview last week, CEO Derrick Hall talked about the need for the Diamondbacks to 'get creative' in trades as a way of freeing up salary to fill holes. It became clear Sunday that one way of being creative could be to deal catcher Miguel Montero.

'They've definitely put him out there,' a source with a rival club said.

"

Montero went through some major slumps this season, but he still posted a triple-slash line of .243/.329/.370 with 13 home runs and 72 RBI. He's a catcher who can drive in runs, making him an inherently valuable commodity in today's league.

The trade market for him could pick up quickly. Russell Martin is the main attraction of the catching market in free agency. The crop severely drops off after him.

The teams that miss out on Martin will definitely look to Montero. Even though he's 31, Montero has a relatively clean injury history. He also provides offensive potential.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs and a few other teams are the ones to watch when it comes to backstops.

Greg Holland

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Greg Holland was arguably the top closer in baseball this season. He posted a 1.44 ERA in the regular season and a 0.82 ERA in the postseason. Including the playoffs, he saved 53 games.

So why would the Kansas City Royals move him? Rosenthal reported it as a possibility:

"

The Royals' Greg Holland, though, is an even more attractive trade candidate than [Jonathan] Papelbon — he converted 46 of 48 chances (95.8 percent), the best rate in the majors, and likely will earn in the $5.5 million to $6 million range in his final year of arbitration.

"

If he is indeed made available, the market would heat up quickly. At $6 million or so for 2015, Holland is a bargain—especially if David Robertson earns a ton of money on the open market.

The New York Yankees extended him a $15.3 million qualifying offer, so that's likely close to the minimum amount he'll earn next season.

Holland is the better closer. He'll be making less. That makes him attractive.

Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter: @kennydejohn.