MLB trade rumors: Orioles' Zach Britton returns | New bullpen option for Yankees, other contenders?

by Felix Pantaleón

The Baltimore Orioles have to decide if they want to trade closer Zach Britton before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver trade deadline. The Orioles could also move shortstop Manny Machado. Playoff contenders, including the Yankees, could be interested in the Orioles’ stars.

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Just about every playoff contender will look to add an arm in its bullpen before MLB’s July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.

Perhaps the best closer on the market is Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton, who returned to the 25-man roster on Monday after missing the first two months of the season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.

Britton, like Orioles shortstop Manny Machado, will be a free agent after the season, could be a nice short-term rental, if he can prove he’s 100% healthy, per CBS:

The question is how much Britton can improve his stock by over the next six weeks. He pitched well during his rehab stint, permitting four hits and zero walks in 5 1/3 innings while fanning six batters. Yet his velocity reportedly checked in around 92-94 mph — or several ticks below his norm. Perhaps Britton can regain the oomph on his sinker as he eases back into game shape; if not, the pitch’s movement and location will become more paramount to its success.

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Britton is a two-time All-Star closer who finished fourth in the 2016 AL Cy Young Award voting in 2016, when he had 47 saves and a 0.54 ERA.

While Orioles manager Buck Showalter says she will ease in the 30-year-old southpaw, Britton knows the trade rumors will follow his every appearance, per the Baltimore Sun:

Britton acknowledged Monday that it will be hard to ignore the fact that he is auditioning until the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline, even if that’s not how he’s going to think of it. He’s just excited to be back pitching after six grueling months of rehabilitation.

“Now, every time I pitch well, I want to pitch well and help the team, regardless of our standing or trade discussions,” Britton said.