MLB trade rumors: Yankees, Red Sox chasing Orioles’ Zach Britton with surprise NL contender

by Felix Pantaleón

The Baltimore Orioles might trade shortstop Manny Machado and reliever Zach Britton before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver deadline. The Phillies could be in the market for both players, as are the Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

A new contender has entered the sweepstakes for Baltimore Orioles reliever Zach Britton: the Phillies.

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NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury was the first to report the news:

According to a major league source, the Phillies have interest in closer Zach Britton and have spoken about him with Orioles officials.

Britton has also been linked to the Yankees and Red Sox.

The Yankees could use Britton as an insurance policy in case closer Aroldis Chapman’s knee problems get worse.

The Red Sox see Britton as a potential bridge to All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel.

Britton made his 2018 debut last month after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.

He has a 4.26 ERA and two saves in 13 appearances this year. In 2016, his last full season in the majors, Britton had a career-high 47 saves and a career-low 0.54 ERA.

Orioles general manager Dan Duquette is motivated to move Britton because he will be a free agent after the season. Same goes for Orioles shortstop Manny Machado. In fact, it’s possible that both players could go to the same team in a package deal.

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The Phillies are in the thick of the Machado trade rumors, and could be a landing spot for him when he reaches free agency after the season. The Phillies have also been linked to Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, who like Machado, will be a free agent after the season.

The surprising Phillies are tied with the Atlanta Braves for first place in the National League East.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.