by New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski both targeted Baltimore Orioles reliever Zach Britton before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver trade deadline. Cashman won, but Britton has struggled in pinstripes, while the Red Sox have expanded their lead in the American League East.
Before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowki had their sights set on improving their bullpens.
Both front office gurus were focused on Baltimore Orioles left-hander Zach Britton, who made his 2018 debut in June after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal details how the Yankees won the bidding war:
Boston Red Sox officials cited a willingness to exceed the highest luxury-tax threshold before the non-waiver deadline, but some of their trade offers reflected the additional financial penalty they would have incurred, sources said.
The addition of left-hander Zach Britton, for example, would have cost the Sox $4.38 million in salary, plus a 62.5 percent tax for every dollar they spent over the $237 million threshold. The Sox thus offered the Baltimore Orioles a relatively light package for Britton, sources said, knowing the financial cost already would have been quite high.
The New York Yankees, on the other hand, were far enough below the lowest $197 million threshold to acquire Britton without fear of paying any tax. Thus, they were willing to trade three prospects for Britton, who to this point has been a disappointment, allowing 17 baserunners in 7 1/3 innings.
One could argue the Red Sox actually won, because Britton has disappointed in pinstripes. He has a 7.36 ERA in eight appearances for the Yankees, who have watched Boston open a 10-game lead in the American League East.
Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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