Multiple reports have the Yankees finalizing a deal for Orioles closer Zach Britton in exchange for three prospects.
The move will send three pitching prospects to Baltimore – Dillon Tate, Josh Rogers and Cody Carroll – with general manager Brian Cashman holding onto his biggest chips in Justus Shefield and Clint Frazier to possibly make another trade in the next week.
Even though the Yankees biggest need is another starting pitcher, Britton adds to the bullpen, which becomes very deep on the back end. With Britton joining Aroldis Chapman and David Robertson, the Bombers will have one of the deepest ‘pens in baseball.
If the Yankees don’t acquire another starter, they can feel comfortable shortening games on the back end with Sonny Gray and CC Sabathia, but also still have the chips to bring in another starting pitcher if they find the right deal.
Britton, who returned from an Achilles injury earlier this year, has a 3.45 ERA over 16 appearances (15 2/3 innings) for Baltimore. Last season, he had a 2.89 ERA over 38 appearances prior to the injury. He had an all-time 2016 season, in which he posted a 0.54 ERA with 47 saves. He can be a free agent after this season.
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