Rays Deal Jose De Leon to the Reds Ahead of 40-Man Roster Deadline

We have a rare MLB November trade, folks!

On Wednesday night, moments before the deadline for clubs to submit their 40-man rosters, the Tampa Bay Rays dealt right-handed hurler Jose De Leon to the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations and a player to be named later.

Per MLB.com, Tampa Bay flaunts the No. 2 farm system in baseball and this trade frees up a spot on their 40-man roster that will now likely be held by one of their top prospects.

Of course, players that have spent four or five years in the minor league ranks that aren't added tot he 40-man roster by Wednesday night's deadline become eligible for December's Rule 5 Draft.

In the case of Cincinnati, acquiring De Leon could prove to be a steal if he lives up to the potential he once had.

Injuries have slowed De Leon down over the years, but he rebounded with a decent showing with Triple-A Durham in 2019 by logging a 3.51 ERA. He was even called up to the Rays big league roster later in the year and compiled a 2.25 mark in three appearances out of the bullpen.

Consider this transaction a W for the Rays and the Reds as both organizations filled a hole.