MLB Rumors: Latest on Offseason's Top Trade and Free-Agent Targets

Now that the World Series is over, it's time for the ever-exciting stretch of the offseason when the game's best-available players change addresses.

This year's crop of free agents isn't incredibly deep, so teams must look to the trade market to fulfill some of their needs. It does appear as if there are a multitude of players available in that regard.

Some of the top players in Major League Baseball are either free agents or available on the trade market. Will they end of switching teams? Only time will tell. We just have a bunch of rumors as of now. Stay up to date with the latest ones below.

Nelson Cruz

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Arguably the best bargain of 2014, Nelson Cruz is looking to get paid this offseason. He successfully proved himself with the Baltimore Orioles, and the designated hitter is now seeking a little more job security, as reported by CBS Sports' Jon Heyman: "Cruz is seeking a four-year deal at big bucks, according to league sources."

The 34-year-old slugger hit a league-high 40 home runs for the American League East champions. Much of their overall success can be traced back to his bat in the middle of the order, so it will be interesting to see just how hard they pursue him in the coming weeks.

The Orioles extended him a qualifying offer of $15.3 million, so it will cost a draft pick to sign him. Now that there aren't any drug questions surrounding him, that shouldn't be an issue. That's what ultimately led him to sign a one-year pact a year ago.

Cruz is a difference maker in the middle of the lineup. A number of teams would benefit from acquiring him, but it will all come down to just how much money he wants. He could seek a contract with an average annual value that doubles the $8 million he made last season.

That could knock a few teams out of the chase. Regardless, he'll have a large number of suitors.

Marlon Byrd

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Marlon Byrd, 37, hit 25 homers last year for a disappointing Philadelphia Phillies team. He was worth the money in the first year of his contract, but that doesn't mean the Phils will keep him around. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that he's available: "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."

Byrd still plays solid defense and has the arm for a corner outfield spot, but it's undeniable that his future lies at designated hitter. An American League team would be the ideal home for the veteran.

Having been mostly healthy over the last few seasons, Byrd represents a reliable trade option for a team like the Oakland Athletics. The A's desperately need offense, and Byrd shouldn't cost the team too much if it ultimately deems the veteran a viable option.

The Phils are likely going to enter a small rebuilding phase, so it will take prospects to lure him away. As long as it doesn't require a huge return, look for a handful of teams to enter the bidding.

Jon Lester

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Arguably the top arm on the market, Jon Lester will have a large field of teams contacting his agent over the next few weeks. We already know one place where Lester probably won't play, however.

Mark Feinsand and Bill Madden of the New York Daily News reported that the New York Yankees likely won't purse Lester and a few other top free agents:

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According to a source, the Yankees have no plans to pursue either Scherzer or Lester, the top two free agents on the market this winter. Shields, the third-best free-agent starter, is also off the Bombers’ radar, as is Sandoval, the Giants’ postseason hero who was given a $15.3 million qualifying offer by San Francisco before Monday’s deadline.

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The Yankees do have a need at the top of the rotation given the question marks surrounding their staff, but the team's fear of giving a lengthy contract to a pitcher over the age of 30 (Lester will be 31 in January) likely plays a factor in this rumor.

Of course, that won't stop Lester from finding a lucrative contract. Just because the Yanks won't pay him doesn't mean other teams won't open their checkbooks to bring him in.

The Chicago Cubs have some money to spend, and the Boston Red Sox still cannot be overlooked in the race to grab the lefty.

Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter: @kennydejohn