Phillies trade rumors: Latest rumblings on Zach Britton

Trade talks surrounding Orioles reliever Zach Britton are picking up steam, and the Phillies are right in the middle of the action.

While the Phillies failed to acquire Manny Machado from the Orioles, that doesn’t mean they are done trying to work out a deal with Baltimore. The team is looking to upgrade their bullpen by adding another Oriole, Zach Britton.

The Orioles have officially gone into rebuild mode and are looking to trade anyone they can get a deal for. Britton is their best asset left after dealing Machado to the Dodgers, and plenty of teams are interested.

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reported Friday that the Orioles are “barreling ahead” in talks to move Britton. Philadephia is one of several teams reportedly interested, along with the Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, Giants, and Astros. Crasnick later added the Braves to the teams interested in Britton.

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Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports and Todd Zolecki of MLB.com also reported Philadelphia’s interest in Britton. Passan said that nothing is close as of now.

General manager Matt Klentak confirmed to reporters Friday that the Phils are engaged in conversations with multiple teams. He believes that the club will make a move prior to the deadline.

Adding to the bullpen has been a need for the team for months now.

Even though they have been better as of late, picking up another reliever will still be a huge help.

Britton is among the best relievers in the game when healthy. He led the league in saves back in 2016, recording 47 in 47 opportunities. Since 2014, Britton has a 1.72 ERA, 139 saves, and a 1.023 WHIP. No reliever has a better ERA in that span.

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Britton returned from a torn Achilles tendon last month. In 15 appearances, he has a 3.68 ERA, 1.364 WHIP, 13 strikeouts, and nine walks. He has already recorded four saves in that span. In his last six appearances, Britton has given up just three hits and three walks without allowing a single run.

Britton will be a free agent after this season, making him far cheaper to acquire. Brad Hand, who the Padres traded during the All-Star Break, still had several years left under contract, allowing them to receive a better haul from the Indians. Philadelphia would only have to give up one or two mid-tier prospects in a deal for Britton.

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Britton would certainly be a valuable addition if added, and it appears the Phils believe that as well.