The race to acquire Zach Britton is heating up and might be nearing the finish line.
The Baltimore Orioles closer is one of the hottest names on trade market as contenders look to bolster their bullpens for the stretch run. And while many teamsĀ have shown interest in the 30-year-old lefty, two clubs reportedly have emerged as the favorites.
The New York Yankees (shocker) and the Houston Astros are “in the lead” to acquire Britton, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden reported Tuesday.
#Astros #Yankees in the lead for Zach Britton but several other teams still in play as trade negotiations are rounding third and heading for home. #Orioles
— Jim Bowdenā¾ļø (@JimBowdenGM) July 24, 2018
Bowden’s report was sandwiched between a pair of tweets from SNY’s Andy Martino, who says the Yankees are “aggressive” and “heavy” in their pursuit of Britton.
5-6 teams still on Britton per source. Yankees are aggressive but not alone.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) July 24, 2018
Yankees still "heavy" on Britton, says a source … they are working to get him, other teams remain in this AM
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) July 24, 2018
As both Bowden and Martino noted, the Yankees and Astros are from alone in their desire for the two-time All-Star.
Tony Massarotti of 98.5 The Sports Hub also chimed in Tuesday, reporting the Boston Red Sox and the Orioles plan to “check in again” on the star reliever.
My moles tell me the Sox and Orioles will check in again today on Zach Britton. If you're the Sox, with a tougher schedule coming soon, wouldn't you love to just bring him back to Boston with you?
— Tony Massarotti (@TonyMassarotti) July 24, 2018
Given how evenly matched the Red Sox, Yankees, Astros and, to a lesser extent, the Seattle Mariners are, Britton could sway the balance of power in the American League.
Since returning from offseason Achilles surgery, Britton has posted a 3.45 ERA with four saves in 16 games. In 2016, he went 47-for-47 in save opportunities and finished fourth in A.L. Cy Young Award voting.
