New ownership could change the future outlook of the American League East.

MLB owners unanimously approved the $1.7 billion sale of the Tampa Bay Rays to an ownership group led by business developer Patrick Zalupski, according to the Tampa Bay Times’ Marc Topkin . The deal is expected to be finalized later this week.

“It’s good to go,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told Topkin on Monday.

Zalupski’s group will acquire the Rays from Stu Sternberg, who purchased the team for $200 million in 2004. The Athletic’s Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal reported earlier this month that Sternberg and his partners will initially maintain a 10 percent share of the team, but they’re expected to later fully divest.

Tampa Bay made nine playoff appearances and won two American League pennants under St

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