2012 MLB Free Agents: Studs That Yankees and Red Sox Will Battle for Most

Now that the World Series is over, the MLB offseason has officially begun and there are many star players who are free agents.

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees will once again be major spenders in the free agent market, and both have some big needs to fill.

Let's look at a couple of superstar players that the Sox and Yankees will battle over this winter.

1. Jose Reyes

The Red Sox haven't had a consistently good shortstop since Nomar Garciaparra, and even though Orlando Cabrera was great defensively in 2004, he wasn't the answer. 

Reyes is one of the most talented players in baseball when healthy, and has the speed, hitting and energy that the Sox need.

The Yankees could certainly use a shortstop too. Derek Jeter can't play there forever, and his range in the field is definitely not what it used to be.

Reyes will get at least $100 million from whoever signs him and he would be smart to start a bidding war between Boston and New York, two teams who need him.

2. C.J. Wilson

C.J. Wilson didn't have a great postseason, but he's probably the best free agent starting pitcher this winter and with both the Red Sox and Yankees needing starting pitching, Wilson will surely get a nice offer from both clubs.

Wilson was 16-7 in 2011 with a 2.94 ERA, and was the Texas Rangers' ace all season.

The last time the Red Sox signed a high-priced free agent pitcher from the AL West it was John Lackey, and we know how much of a disaster that was.

Boston needs pitching, but it must not overpay for Wilson, because although he is talented, he is not an elite pitcher.

New York needs pitching to be able to compete in the AL. Wilson is the best option for them because he is younger and more consistent than some of the other free agent pitchers such as Roy Oswalt.

3. C.C. Sabathia

C.C. Sabathia can opt out of his current Yankees contract this winter and there's no doubt he will.

Even if he has no intentions of leaving New York, he can use the Red Sox, who will certainly make a real offer, in order to get more money from the Yankees.

Sabathia is a true ace and is someone the Red Sox would love to sign away from the rival Yankees.

Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter for the latest sports news and updates.  Follow @NicholasGoss35