The Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs were the reported front-runners as of 24 hours ago to land reliever Zach Britton by the July 31st trade deadline. Once again, the New York Yankees have slid in to make things happen for them, and are now set to add yet another major arm to their pitching staff. The Yankees have agreed to acquire Britton from the Baltimore Orioles for three pitching prospects.
The 30-year-old Britton has recorded 139 total saves for the O's since the 2013 season, and remains as the top reliever available. The likes of Jeurys Familia, Brad Hand, and Kelvin Herrera have already switched teams this season, which makes Britton that much more valuable. The Boston Red Sox were also in the conversation, and could've had the upper-hand, seeing as they are currently in Baltimore for a series with the last place team, who currently holds a record of 28-73. They have already dealt away Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the likes of Adam Jones has also been mentioned in rumors. Although, Jones would have to give permission to any trade that is agreed upon.
The one down side to Britton is his injury history, which includes him rupturing his right Achilles during an off-season workout last winter. That caused him not to make his 2018 debut until June 12th. Despite that, he will still add to an already impressive bullpen that leads the majors with a 2.75 ERA and 448 strikeouts this season. He will join Aroldis Chapman and David Robertson as Yankees' relievers who already have at least 100 career saves, and that's not to mention Dellin Betances, all of which makes that pen nearly unstoppable.
The deal was announced on Tuesday night, but is still awaiting physicals for all players involved. The prospects sent to Baltimore include right-handed pitcher Dillon Tate, along with left-handed pitchers Josh Rogers and Cody Carroll. Tate has the most upside of that group, as he recorded a record of 5-2 with a 3.38 ERA in Double-A Trenton.
The 30-year-old Britton has recorded 139 total saves for the O's since the 2013 season, and remains as the top reliever available. The likes of Jeurys Familia, Brad Hand, and Kelvin Herrera have already switched teams this season, which makes Britton that much more valuable. The Boston Red Sox were also in the conversation, and could've had the upper-hand, seeing as they are currently in Baltimore for a series with the last place team, who currently holds a record of 28-73. They have already dealt away Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the likes of Adam Jones has also been mentioned in rumors. Although, Jones would have to give permission to any trade that is agreed upon.
The one down side to Britton is his injury history, which includes him rupturing his right Achilles during an off-season workout last winter. That caused him not to make his 2018 debut until June 12th. Despite that, he will still add to an already impressive bullpen that leads the majors with a 2.75 ERA and 448 strikeouts this season. He will join Aroldis Chapman and David Robertson as Yankees' relievers who already have at least 100 career saves, and that's not to mention Dellin Betances, all of which makes that pen nearly unstoppable.
The deal was announced on Tuesday night, but is still awaiting physicals for all players involved. The prospects sent to Baltimore include right-handed pitcher Dillon Tate, along with left-handed pitchers Josh Rogers and Cody Carroll. Tate has the most upside of that group, as he recorded a record of 5-2 with a 3.38 ERA in Double-A Trenton.
