Philly Leader

Clubs in Major League Baseball are facing a deadline to finalize their 40-man rosters by 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, aiming to protect eligible players from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft set for December 11 during the Winter Meetings in Dallas. The decisions involve assessing prospects who could be picked by other teams if left unprotected.

Among the notable prospects requiring protection are Cubs outfielder Owen Caissie, White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery, Cardinals right-hander Tink Hence, and Rockies outfielder Zac Veen. These top talents are expected to secure spots on their respective teams' rosters before the deadline.

The MLB Pipeline highlights several players across various organizations who are on the bubble for roster inclusion. Some of these players include Adrian Pinto from the Blue Jays, Brandon Young from the Orioles, and Alexander Alberto from the Rays. Each player's situation varies, with factors such as recent performance and injury history playing significant roles in decision-making.

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For example, Adrian Pinto was acquired by the Blue Jays in a trade with the Rockies and has shown promise despite injuries limiting his playtime over recent years. Brandon Young of the Orioles has returned from surgery and is close to making a breakthrough at Triple-A level. Meanwhile, Alexander Alberto of the Rays is recognized for his powerful arsenal despite limited experience.

As teams navigate these decisions, they must weigh potential future contributions against immediate roster needs. The Rule 5 Draft presents an opportunity for players not protected to find new opportunities with other clubs.

Teams will continue evaluating their options until Tuesday's deadline, ensuring that key prospects are secured while balancing overall team strategy and depth.