That Balls Outta Here
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Five relievers the Phillies could trade for at this year’s deadline

By John Town

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 10: Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Cleveland Indians in the eighth inning at Progressive Field on September 10, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Orioles 3-2, (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 10: Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Cleveland Indians in the eighth inning at Progressive Field on September 10, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Orioles 3-2, (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 29: Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Orioles won 4-0. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Zach Britton

Zach Britton is likely the most recognizable name on this list. You probably remember him most for when Orioles manager Buck Showalter didn’t put Britton, his best reliever, in the team’s 2016 wild-card game loss to the Blue Jays.

Britton has been among baseball’s best closers for several years now. Since 2014, he has the second-best ERA and sixth-best xFIP of all qualified relievers. He has racked up 135 saves in that span, fifth-most in the league. Britton had a streak of 60 consecutive successful saves, the second-longest streak ever.

While Britton has been dominant, there is one significant issue: injuries. He missed much of the first half of last season due to forearm tightness. Britton has not pitched at all this year due to a torn Achilles he suffered during the offseason. He is not expected to pitch until June.

Still, if Britton comes back from the Achilles injury pitching well, he will be a hot commodity at the deadline. He is a free agent after this season, making him appealing to teams looking for a rental. The Phillies might want someone who will be with the team long-term, so they could try to work out a longer-term deal with Britton.

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