Here are some quick notes on some of the big headlines from a busy day around baseball Monday:

• Joel Sherman of The New York Post reports that the Tampa Bay Rays are “moving closer to dealing (pitcher) Jeremy Hellickson to an NL team,” and that a trade is likely to come this week. Read more: CBS Sports
• Sherman also reports that the New York Yankees are intrigued by Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus as a potential replacement at shortstop for the great Derek Jeter. Read more: The New York Post
• Free agent catcher Russell Martin is seeking a 5-year deal worth up to $80M, according to Jeff Blair of Rogers Sportsnet. Read more: sportsnet.ca

• The Los Angeles Angels agreed to terms with reliever Vinnie Pestano one a one-year deal to avoid arbitration. Read more: NBC Sports
• Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that Korean shortstop Jung-Ho Kang is not expected to be posted until after the upcoming winter meetings. Read more: theScore
• The Boston Red Sox are just one of many teams that have checked in on former Cardinal Justin Masterson, according to ESPN Boston’s Gordon Edes. Read more: theScore
• The Boston Red Sox have expressed interest in free agent infielder Hanley Ramirez, according to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. Read more: theScore
• Rosenthal also reports that the Miami Marlins have opened up long-term contract talks with pitcher Jose Fernandez, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, and outfielder Christian Yelich. Read more: marlinmaniac.com
• Roughly a dozen teams have expressed interest in free agent starter Jason Hammel, including the Houston Astros, according to Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle. Read more: The Houston Chronicle
• Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports tthat the Kansas City Royals have had discussions about acquiring veteran first baseman Ryan Howard from the Philadelphia Phillies. Read more: USA  Today Sports
• The NL Rookie of the Year award went to New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom while Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu won the AL ROY award. Read more: Abreu- CBS Sports, deGrom– CBS Sports
• Mark Saxon of ESPN reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers are unlikely to sign infielder Hanley Ramirez. Read more: ESPN
• Despite multiple rumors, Colorado Rockies General Manager Jeff Bridich denied talking with the Mets regarding star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Read more: theScore
• Finally, in the biggest news of the day, the New York Mets signed outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a 2-year, $21M contract. Read more: New York Post, New York Daily News

Chris Brown, St. Louis Baseball Today