With the Orioles’ marketing efforts building toward a crescendo, lefty Zach Britton came up quite a bit in the rumor mill yesterday and also over the weekend. It appears that’ll again be the case today. With no comparable rental southpaws available on this year’s trade market, contenders that want a live-armed lefty are pushing for Britton, whose once-incomparable power sinker has regained some of its former luster.
The latest:
- It seems there’s a good reason that we’re seeing a surge in the chatter on Britton. Andy Martino of SNY.tv suggested last night on Twitter that the Orioles are anxious to wrap things up, while Jim Bowden of The Athletic indicates on Twitter this morning that talks indeed appear to be entering their final stages. While there’s no specific timetable, it’s possible to imagine a deal coming together at any time. Britton appeared last night for the first time since the All-Star break and made it through unscathed, but there’s really not much reason for the club to take any risks.
- The offers will likely drive the decisionmaking from the Orioles’ perspective, though, even if the preference is to make a near-term call. Multiple teams evidently remain involved in talks, so trade packages could yet change. Bowden characterizes the Astros and Yankees as being “in the lead” to get Britton. Of course, it only takes one call for a rival to leap across the track and cross the line first, and the O’s could always decide to extend the race.
- Indeed, the Red Sox, Brewers, and Diamondbacks are also still in the mix, per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal (Twitter links), who also notes that trade talks on Britton remain “fluid.” Both teams have been connected previously to the lefty, but it’s notable that they’re still hanging around the picture. The Boston organization has been rumored to be looking for a major bullpen addition; the need for a lefty and possibility of some notable American League rivals landing Britton instead will surely also increase the motivation. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee club surely has greater needs in other areas but no doubt would love to further improve its relief mix at the right price. As for the D-Backs, there are already three lefties in the current bullpen, but Britton would make for a significant upgrade over the struggling Jorge De La Rosa while freeing the other southpaws (Andrew Chafin and former teammate T.J. McFarland) for earlier-inning matchup work.
- As yesterday’s roundup shows, there’s no shortage of possible suitors even beyond those. Indeed, Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com tweets that the Cubs are another organization considered a serious pursuer. Just two days ago, they seemed an emerging possibility. Rosenthal suggests (Twitter link), though, that the Cubbies may be chatting as much about Baltimore’s top two starting pitchers (Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman) as its best reliever. Meanwhile, ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick tweets that the Cubs are one of four teams that seem likeliest to land Britton, joining the aforementioned Astros, Red Sox, and Yankees.
He’ll be an Astro.
What would you suspect a pitching prospect and a infielder maybe JD Davis?
Can never really tell anymore. Feels like prospect deals for rentals, no matter the quality, are always less than we think. I’m not familiar with the astros organization, but I’d be shocked if it included anybody within their top 10. Probably a 10-20 guy plus some single A pitcher.
Don’t think Baltimore will take garbage in return for Britton like the Mets did for Familia…..not with a pennant race for the acquiring team at risk. Let’s face it Oakland is still long shot to make the wild card while anything less than the World Series would be a major disaster for the Astros this year.
They’re not as dumb as the Mets, at least I think they aren’t!
If they were taking garbage the deal would have been done already.
Why do the Astros fans think they can just offer a “bum” and everybody lines up to say how much can we give you for them?
I agree that JD Davis very likely won’t be a part of the deal. The Orioles top prospect is a 3B in AA so while Davis has potential he’ll become a bench player in Baltimore in about a year if not sooner. Lets face it, 80% of every fanbase is delusional about trades or don’t educate themselves on prospects. The Astros sent three AAAA players and another minor leaguer to the Pirates for Cole so I think that’s what fans are thinking will happen again. This should be a pure Britton for prospects swap.
Dumb is synonymous with Mets and I’ve been a Mets’ fan for 52 years!
The Pirates return for Cole looks not so hot but Joe Musgrove is at the least a back end starter or solid reliever. I don’t think Colin Moran is much more than a league average 3b at his peak. Not an exciting player at all but Musgrove for sure is better than to be called 4A player.
Don’t beat yourself up too much about being a Mets fan….they just need a plan….its a tough market in NY with multiple media sources and sports radio announcers to deal with day in and day out.
They’ll find a way….hey remember they were in the WS just a couple of years ago!
You’re wrong to think Baltimore is smart
Just now on NESN said Red Sox close on getting Britton/Schoop for Chavis, Houck and Chapman. Anyone confirm this? Astros can’t better that deal since Sox willing to take Schoop. Make sense for the Sox since 2b is an issue this year and possibly next.
Was it a scroll? NESN currently has Charlie Moore Outdoors on.
If I’m Boston I don’t think we need to go all in on Britton. I’d go and get a cheaper left specialist and get another righty especially considering most of the most dangerous hitters in the American League pennant race are righties. One positive in getting Britton would be stopping the Astros or yankees getting him but I don’t think it’s worth going even deeper into our farm for him.
Do the Red Sox even have any good prospects left?
They have some not as highly rated by many but Chavis, Houck, Dalbec, Beeks, Reyes
Guys like chavis, groome, houck, mata and travis all still have value and potential. Outside that it is quite baren I’ll admit but they definitely have enough to swing a couple trades especially with their ability to take on most contracts.
Up goes the already sky high payroll with your plan.
Groome – HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Why in the world would Baltimore want somebody who in all probability won’t pitch until late next season even for a rental.
They want players not “I hope he’s okay” guys!
Because they want good players with max control for the future and he would provide that. It’s not like they are trying to win this year or next.
I don’t expect them too. The payroll is gonna be going up anyway with Betts and bogaerts in arb rises. And they have said they aren’t afraid of going above the next luxury tax line. I would love them to get a lefty only reliever along the lines of a zach duke or luis Avalon. Maybe a reliever that can also provide starter depth like Adam Conley from Miami could be a possibility.
Yeah, I can’t imagine a trade between Baltimore and Boston that sends an elite rental LHP reliever one way in exchange for a pitching prospect with several question marks. That’d be like a 2014 swap of Andrew Miller and Eduardo Rodriguez or something.
People also forget the close personal relationship duquette and dombrowski have. I’m sure it’s possible they get something worked out in person these few days Boston is in Baltimore.
Remember Mike Boddicker for Curt Schilling and Brady Anderson? Trade deadline was 06/15 then if I remember right. 88? MB wasn’t a rental but boy was that an overpay.
They do not
I agree. Maybe package something for Soria and Luis Avalon.
I can almost guarantee the Sox would package those two together if it meant getting Chavis straight up or Groome and toolsy younger player who hasn’t put it all together yet
Dodgers are out?
pleeeaaase, haven’t they got enough?? what pee on prospects does LA have still?
Pee on prospects? Your comment smells like it came from somewhere the sun doesn’t shine
Smells more like preschool.
You mean like stale milk and barf?
Do you think Britton could draw a return of Brandon Drury and Loaisiga? Or Rogelio Armenteros and JD Davis? Or would you expect one organizational 10th ranked pitching prospect and maybe some lower ranked prospects?
Not Johnny Lasagna!
If the Os r interested in packaging Gausman with Britton (even tho I’ve advocated against packaging players in a rebuild) then I think the Yanks would give up Drury, Loasinga and a lottery ticket low level guy or 2. But for only a Britton rental I don’t think u get both. One or the other
Yanks not interested in Gausman……….
You know this how?
I don’t see JD Davis being part of the deal. The Orioles’ top prospect is a 3B in AA. I know that JD has and can play OF and 1B, but he’s subpar at those positions and the Orioles have enough of those guys.
There’s a pretty solid chance Mountcastle’s arm limits him to LF. Granted Davis might not stick at 3rd either, but his arm isn’t the problem.
Nobody wants Drury! I don’t know how many times this needs to be said.
try telling that to the brewers
Why would a team doing a rebuild want Drury? He is already Arb eligible next year.
Yanks always trying to pass on their scrubs in trades….nobody wants Drury
Loiasaga ain’t coming over, period! That’s not the way Cashman does business.
The Birds will get a future player who is doing well in AA for two months of Britton (at best) from the Yankees (maybe OF Clint Frazier + a middling AA prospect at best).
“That’s not the way Cashman does business” then what is the way Cashman does business because as a Yankees fan I’ve seen plenty of them.
Not Yankees nor Boston. Dodgers most desperate to win again. They will sacrifice.
To read this piece the Dodgers aren’t even in the Britton discussion anymore.
I’d like to think they get back into the picture to get something done…we definitely could use another bullpen arm or two
I’m sure they, the Tokyo Giants and every other team on earth will be rumored to back in the picture again before this thing is done. It won’t end.
I’m sure the Dodgers are just lurking, they have dealt with the Orioles GM & crew for about two months now, especially from Britton last year.
They know who they would ultimately want, so they will steal Britton last moments or at least drive up the price on Yanks, Stros, Red Sox, Cubs, Brewers ect
If it takes another 5 for 1 deal to get Britton I’ll take a hard pass. O’s made out well with Machado trade and then some. With so much interest in Britton it wouldn’t surprise me at all if they get a similar deal done
Agreed, with so many teams interested, the price is likely to be sky high. I’d expect the Dodgers to be looking elsewhere for what they see as undervalued assets. It’s what they do, especially with receivers, and the payroll situation will be driving them in that direction anyway.
I’d imagine if the Cubs got involved with 2 of the 3 names mentioned Miguel Amaya and a player off the 25 man roster are all but gone. Kudos if they can pull something off with limited assets
Amaya is not being traded for a rental. Literally their best prospect imo. And Theo has stated he won’t move top prospect for rental. Could see 40 men guys get moved Ala Bote and caratini
Link to where Theo said this, please.
I read it, too. It was either an article on this site or on the Chicago team site
He said if two of three are included. Bundy or Gausman won’t be dealt with Britton without Amaya for sure.
Actually reading a comment truly goes a long way doesn’t it?
Well, if you read my comment I clearly said 2 of the 3 players mentioned in the article and Amaya would surely be included if you’re going to try to build a package around Bote and Caratini
If I’m any team that makes a trade with them I would put a provision in there that any player that fails a physical but passes ours they owe them 100k for hurting the players valud
or, you pay 100 grand for trying to pass off an injured gut as healthy
If he goes to the Astros I see the deal being either:
1.) Cionel Perez, Framber Valdez and Jonathan Arauz for Britton
Or
2.) Rogelio Armenteros, Jairo Solis and JJ Matijevic for Britton
Or some combination of those players.
Unfortunately, I think Cionel is going to be in the deal somehow. The Orioles were aggressively trying to sign him in the free agent market so I’d be shocked if that’s not who they’re pushing for.
I’m willing to bet that if the Orioles trade Britton at all, it will be by early next week!
What’s the over/under on how long it takes physicals to be cleared after the moment it’s first reported that there’s a deal? I’m setting the over/under at 18 hours and saying over.
Astros. Cionel Perez and JD Davis.
Yungbrush:
I hope you’re right!!!!
Britton would be the closer in Houston over being the setup on other teams in pursuit.
Gotta give the Stros the edge on this one and my guess with the Yanks are there after starter help more
Agree, the Yanks would rather have a starter but that’s all the more reason to think they may be in with Baltimore for both Britton and one of their young starters.
Remember while the Astros will offer low level “prospects” for Britton, the moving part for Baltimore to trade within the division is that the Yankees can offer either a everyday starter and other pieces, position or pitching, that can either be on their major league roster now or supplement their farm system with prospects. They’d be in the position of signing Britton longer term or he performs or let him go towards free agency.
I’m talking about the Andujar, Wade, Walker, Drury, type of players etc.
The Orioles are just starting a rebuild. We don’t need low ceiling ML ready players who are ready to play now. We need guys who are a few years off. And obviously Andujar isn’t getting traded now. Walker, Drury and Wade are as good as garbage for Baltimore. Drury maybe a little higher than garbage but he’s already burned up a significant amount of service time.
Houston offers just that. Take a look at their AA-AAA teams.
Guess you don’t know much about the Yankees and their personnell do you.
Taking guys a “few years off” is a tremendous gamble in itself.
Do you think the fans in Baltimore are buying into your concept of just starting a rebuild and willing to absolutely stink for the next 2-3 years?
Why don’t you ask Buck what he thinks of your “just starting a rebuild” comment. Doormats for the rest of the AL East?
And who said that Andujar wouldn’t be available in the right trade….but not for Britton.
I think the Yanks have a problem with Chapman. He has a knee problem and in the interview with him after the game on Monday, he came across ,like maybe he is using again.
Hence the mad Yankee dash for Britton.
Astros will not put out the prospects they were willing to give Baltimore last year when he had a year and a half of time left. Less than a half a season is very little time for a closer or set up guy. Astros hold pat if Baltimore isn’t happy with what Luhnow has to offer, which won’t be much.
It sounds like they might. The prospects they reportedly offered were Colin Moran and Jason Martin, both of whom were part of the Cole trade. The Britton trade sounds like it’ll be equal to or greater than that depending on how much you value Colin Moran.
You’re most definitely on to something here.
How are you gauging what it sounds like they’ll offer? I haven’t seen any prospects linked to trade talks.
A couple names from the Astros that I would be interested in for Britton- AJ Reed (1B), Derek Fisher (OF), David Paulino (P) and Francis Martes (P). I would love to see the O’s get Fisher as he was an untouchable in last year’s trade talks. He’s had a down year and may no longer be viewed as highly given Tucker’s rise. Paulino and Martes have both been prized prospects in the past who seem stalled this year (it might be because of injury).
The Giles implosion and resultant overuse/fatigue of Devenski makes the Astros the clear favorite in my mind. They have the prospects, at multiple levels, to satisfy the O’s.
The NYY interest, to me, seems mostly driven by a desire to keep Britton away from Houston. Cashman’s need for quality starters is exponentially greater than adding Britton to what is already a more than adequate bullpen.
I’d be very surprised if Britton doesn’t end up in Houston. The caveat would be that if the O’s price Britton (he is a rental) too high, Astros may just end up preferring a controllable arm like Iglesias or Barclough.
All I have to say is… Damn there’s a lot of GM’s in here!!
Just a guess; but, I am thinking LAD have shifted their focus to younger, more controllable and high upside 8th-9th inning relievers. Friedman knows Kenley needs help (perhaps even some 9th inning help) and that’s not just for the next 2 months. Iglesias, Barclough, Vazquez would intrigue Friedman as he could create an 8th-9th inning tandem with Kenley similar to the one he envisioned a few years ago with Kenley and Chapman.
After watching Friedman work, it is clear that he will respond to what he believes to be the best options in this year’s market. If the price for the high upside guys gets too high, Plan B will be to take what the market makes available at the best price. There are several guys out there who can help. He is also not in a panic as Alexander has really stepped up in the last month. Scott’s velocity is up 2-3 mph. Floro and Rosscup have also looked good. Their medical assessments on Fields and Cingrani will also play a huge role in their final decision-making/sense of urgency. If either of those two guys are really healthy, that’s their best Plan B if they can’t get the high upside talent.
Britton Rumors 7/24? More like 24/7 on this site.
Obviously the yanks would prefer a starter, but if they aren’t satisfied with the market, it always helps to strengthen the bullpen. Look at last years wild card game, their bullpen pitched basically the entire game.
Good article in the Baltimore sun suggesting what the o’s would be looking to get for Britton from each of the supposedly involved teams
Brewers should target Schoop.
Gausman would be nice but there’d have to be a significant performance boost from to moving to the NL for him to be worth the asking price.
A Britton rental would be a luxury, other needs should be addressed first and I don’t see the crew outbidding those AL teams gor him.
Let’s get a jump on Wednesday’s rumor update:
A mystery team has joined in the bidding. 1 team has dropped out, but at get back in at a later time (say 15-20 minutes..), and the O’s are hoping to package both Billy and Cal Ripken to get a better prospect haul.
This might be crazy but what about the Sox doing a package deal. Britton/Schoop for Chavis/Houck and player to be named. Sox need 2b and lefty specialist. Not sure if O’s would do this though.
That package wouldn’t get the conversation started if you’re the O’s!
Chavis, he coming off a 80 game suspension and a rather lackluster career since being picked #1 by the Sox in 14. Don’t know who this Houch is but the only way this trade happens is if the player to be named later is Mookie Betts!