Red Sox Still Checking on Zach Britton, But Competing With Yankees & Astros
The Boston Red Sox continue to scour the trade market for relievers, with Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton at or near the top of the list. Unfortunately, the same is true for their top competition in the American League.
Adding to the growing pile of Britton rumors ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, Tony Massarotti of 98.5 The Sports Hub’s own Felger & Mazz program
Hearing similar, but with #RedSox, #Brewers also involved. Situation fluid and subject to change… https://t.co/swADAk7Cel
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 24, 2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agreed on the Red Sox, tweeting that they remain “involved” in trade talks for Britton.But despite Dave Dombrowski’s continued interest in bringing Britton to Boston, his team faces a major roadblock in the league rival Houston Astros and AL East rival New York Yankees. Those teams are “in the lead” for Britton, according to analyst and former GM
#Astros #Yankees in the lead for Zach Britton but several other teams still in play as trade negotiations are rounding third and heading for home. #Orioles
— Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) July 24, 2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jim Bowden. Trade talks are “rounding third and heading for home,” as Bowden described them.
Jun 23, 2018; Atlanta, GA: Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at SunTrust Park. (Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
Though the O’s may be just as unlikely to move Britton to the Bronx as they would the Red Sox, the Astros’ involvement only complicates matters. Rosenthal added that the Milwaukee Brewers are also still looking into Britton’s services.
Baltimore may potentially have interest in top Red Sox prospect Michael Chavis, but that alone may not be enough to jettison him to the Red Sox. Dombrowski may ultimately need to overpay and outbid his rivals in order to add Britton to the Boston bullpen.
He would be an ideal addition and fill the Red Sox’ most pressing need, but it’s going to cost them.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
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