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For weeks, the Yankees have been connected to Orioles closer Zach Britton. Now, it appears they’re about to reel him in. According to multiple reports, the Bombers are on the verge of landing Britton in exchange for prospects.
#Yankees have emerged as clear front-runner for #Orioles’ Britton, sources tell The Athletic. NYY scratched RHP Dillon Tate from his start tonight at Double A. As always, no deal is complete until all medicals are approved by both clubs.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 25, 2018
Britton deal to yankees for multiple prospects is close to done. finalizing. Drury not in latest deal on table.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 25, 2018
Britton, 30, has pitched to a 3.45 ERA with 4.43 FIP over 15.2 innings since returning from a ruptured Achilles tendon. He’s allowed six runs, but those all came in two outings. Britton has gotten better with the more rust he’s shaken off.
Dillon Tate, the Yankees number nine prospect according to MLB.com, is rumored to go in return. He was scratched from his start tonight. The 24-year-old has pitched a 3.38 ERA (3.76 FIP) for the Trenton Thunder. Tate was the key piece coming back in the Carlos Beltran trade. He’s been an intriguing, albeit injury prone, prospect for the Yankees.
There’s a lot of smoke left to clear, but one thing to keep in mind is that the Orioles have a stringent standard for their physicals. Tate has an injury history a mile long, so it’s no sure thing he gets the green light from Baltimore.
We’ll have more as it develops. For now, what do you think? Let us know in the comment section!