MLB trade rumors: Yankees, Phillies see Orioles’ Zach Britton’s price tag rising

After trading All-Star shortstop Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles general manager Dan Duquette is looking to move reliever Zach Britton before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver deadline. Several clubs, including the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies, have been linked to Britton.

With less than two weeks to go until the July 31st non-waiver deadline, the MLB trade market is taking shape.

After the San Diego Padres sent Brad Hand to the Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles southpaw Zach Britton became the best reliever on the market.

Orioles general manager Dan Duquette is in sell-mode. He already shipped All-Star shortstop Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

And Duquette is doing his best to drive up the price on Britton, per the Baltimore Sun:

“Clubs have become more interested in Zach as he has regained his velocity and particularly, the sink and movement on his pitch,” Duquette said. “He had a really good week this past week, so clubs have renewed their interest in Zach. We engaged other clubs on that front, but we’re not as far down the road in the process, and I think that’s partly because clubs were waiting to see how Zach was throwing, and exactly what role he could help on a pennant-contending team.

“I think Zach has re-established himself with his stuff as one of the top closers in the league. Now, we can turn our attention toward that.”

Britton, who had offseason surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles in December and was back in the majors by mid-June, struggled some early with his velocity and command of his sinker. But over his last seven outings, Britton hasn’t allowed a run and has struck out six against six baserunners. His fastball has averaged 95.4 mph and topped out at 97 mph.

MLB odds, predictions for 2nd half of season

Several contenders, including the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies, have been connected to Britton, who’s 1-0 with 4 saves and a 3.68 ERA in 15 games this season. In 2016, his last full season in the majors, Britton had a career-high 47 saves and a career-low 0.54 ERA.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.