MLB Rumors: AL East Team To Engage in "Multiple Trades" By Tuesday

The Major League General Managers Meetings may have wrapped in Las Vegas, but the wheeling and dealing may just be getting ready to explode. According to MLB Insider Jon Morosi, the Tampa Bay Rays are "engaged in advanced trade negotiations ahead of Tuesday’s (6pm ET) roster protection deadline. At this point, industry observers expect multiple trades by the club (by Tuesday)."  

Morosi mentions the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Angels as pursuing some of Tampa's vast available pitching assets.  

Tuesday's roster protection deadline means that teams will have to expose some quality young players to the Rule 5 Draft, and/or leave some unprotected. The Rays have as deep a player pool as any team, and they're obviously hoping to obtain something for players before they lose them for nothing. 

First baseman Ji Man Choi has already been dealt, and other names off the major league roster that have been mentioned include Ryan Yarbrough and Yonny Chirinos. But it's also likely that some decent minor league prospects will be dealt. 

We'll keep you up to date on all the action heading up to Tuesday's roster protection deadline right here.

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