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 teams 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.
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.
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.
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.
