MLB trade rumors: After Aroldis Chapman's meltdown, are Yankees still trying for Orioles' Zach Britton? Multiple teams join arms race

by Felix Pantaleón

The Baltimore Orioles may look to trade star reliever Zach Britton before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) trade deadline. Could the New York Yankees end up his destination? General manager Brian Cashman is looking at Britton as potential help for Aroldis Chapman in the back end of the bullpen.

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UPDATE: The Yankees are “still trying” on Britton:

Astros and Cubs are the teams most linked to Britton, but Yanks are still trying, as are many others

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 23, 2018

But the Yankees are not alone:

#Brewers continue to cast wide net in search for upgrades, sources tell me and @ByRobertMurray. They are among the teams pursuing #Orioles‘ Britton and also considering #Rays‘ Archer. Had extensive discussions with #Orioles on Machado; know which prospects O’s like.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 23, 2018

#DBacks are yet another team on Britton, sources tell The Athletic – and #Orioles are familiar with their system from Machado talks that started last winter. #Astros heavy on Britton, as @JimBowdenGM said, with deeper farm system than many of other clubs involved.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 23, 2018

The Yankees reportedly didn’t want to give up rookie third baseman Miguel Andujar for star reliever Brad Hand, whom the Padres instead sent to the Indians.

Apparently, general manager Brian Cashman hasn’t stopped his search for relief help.

The Yankees are among several teams who “seem serious” about trading for Orioles reliever Zach Britton, according to a report from Fancred’s Jon Heyman.

Field of interested teams for Britton is expanding. Braves are interested (they have the prospects, but will they give them up?) Rockies have checked in. Even Brewers, who have stacked pen. Hou, Cubs, LAD, NYY all seem serious. Others, too.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 22, 2018

So far, the Yankees have been quiet as the trade deadline looms.

They have been in on talks for other stars, such as shortstop Manny Machado, but haven’t been willing to make a deal yet.

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Cashman and owner Hal Steinbrenner each have said addressing the starting pitching is a need.

Besides Luis Severino and CC Sabathia, the Yankees don’t have a sure thing in their rotation. And Sabathia turned 38 years old Saturday and has been dealing with a bum left knee for years.

The Yankees have often been connected to the Rangers’ Cole Hamels, the Blue Jays’ J.A. Happ and the Tigers’ Michael Fulmer.

If Cashman can’t get what he wants to help the rotation, however, he could look to bolster what’s already one of the best bullpens in the game.

While closer Aroldis Chapman has been dominant, he was shaky Saturday, and he’s been pitching with left knee tendinitis for more than a month. Chasen Shreve and A.J. Cole also hold slots but would seem replaceable.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.