MLB trade rumors: Red Sox swiping Orioles’ Zach Britton from Yankees?

by Felix Pantaleón

Will the Baltimore Orioles trade reliever Zach Britton before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver deadline? Both the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox have expressed interest. Baltimore is also shopping shortstop Manny Machado and may try to package him with Britton, since both will be free agents after the 2018 season.

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The American League East is shaping up as a two-team race this summer. The Boston Red Sox have the best record in baseball (63-29) and a 2.5 game lead over the second-place Yankees.

It turns out the Yankees and Red Sox could also go head-to-head before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.

On Saturday, Fancred’s Jon Heyman reported the Yankees were interested in Orioles reliever Zach Britton:

yankees are among teams with interest in Zach Britton. (also Brad Hand). others who’d make sense include: astros (had the deal which Baltimore killed last year), cubs, Indians, maybe dodgers, others.

On Tuesday, Heyman added this twist:

Red Sox, who have the pen as a priority, are scouting Zach Britton as well. while the o’s have been reluctant to trade with the Yankees in the past, they did make a big deal with Boston a few years ago (Rodriguez for miller)

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This comes at a time when the Yankees are also being mentioned as a potential suitor for Orioles shortstop Manny Machado.

It’s possible Baltimore tries to package Machado and Britton, both of whom will be free agents after the season.

Machado is hitting .309 with 21 home runs for the last-place Orioles, who own the worst record in baseball (25-66).

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

He has a 4.63 ERA and two saves in 12 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.

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.

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