Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton was among the most dominant closers in all of baseball in 2016. Injuries and inconsistent play have hurt his stock this year, but he still has the potential to deliver as a shutdown reliever down the stretch and come playoff time. The fact that so many contending teams could benefit from bolstering their bullpens means that Britton’s trade value should still be pretty high. However, it won’t be a surprise if at least one of the following teams is willing to pay the price for an experienced reliever that could thrive in a new situation down the stretch. Here is a look at the four teams that should be shopping for Britton.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks are among the biggest surprises in baseball so far this season with the third-best record in the National League. However, their bullpen is still a major concern and they would likely have an even better record with an elite closer in place. Arizona has relied on Fernando Rodney in that role to this point. Rodney has 22 saves but he has also blown five of his 27 opportunities. Rodney’s 5.23 ERA doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, especially considering the Diamondbacks feel they can contend. The acquisition of Britton would give them an established closer that has elite stuff while at the same time solidifying the position looking forward to 2018 once Rodney is gone. Arizona is in position to contend in the NL. The Diamondbacks need to upgrade their closer situation in order to have a shot at making any noise at all once October rolls around.
Houston Astros
The Astros have been linked to a starting pitcher in Sonny Gray. However, Britton might be the better option for a Houston side that could use some improved depth in the bullpen. History has shown the importance of relief pitching in October. The addition of Britton could help the Astros in the same way that the addition of Aroldis Chapman helped the Chicago Cubs and Andrew Miller helped the Cleveland Indians last season. Ken Giles and Chris Devenski have been solid. Britton would bolster the bullpen even more and provide some insurance should Giles struggle or get injured down the stretch.
Los Angeles Dodgers
It was only a matter of time before Kenley Jansen blew a save for the Dodgers. Now that it is out of the way, we can talk about how it doesn’t make a difference in terms of the potential for Los Angeles to acquire Britton. Jansen is firmly entrenched in the closer role after posting a 1.49 ERA while recording 24 saves in 25 opportunities. However, the Dodgers could still afford to improve their bullpen depth behind him. Josh Fields, Brandon Morrow and Pedro Baez have been excellent this year. Britton would give them one more weapon to help solidify a group capable of helping Los Angeles win a World Series.
The Dodgers could use a boost after hearing the news that Clayton Kershaw is out for four to six weeks with a back problem. They need some help to keep their momentum going.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs replaced Chapman with Wade Davis, who has been solid this season with a 2.12 ERA while recording 20 saves. However, Davis is set to become a free agent after this season and could decide to walk. The acquisition of Britton, who is under contract beyond 2017, would provide Chicago with an insurance policy for Davis moving forward. Carl Edwards Jr., Koji Uehara and Pedro Strop have been solid. The Cubs could use one more veteran arm with the potential to contribute both this season and next. Britton could be the perfect fit for Chicago.
The Cubs enter the day in a tie for first place in the National League Central. They’ve been struggling for momentum all season long but finally seem to have some. They have won eight of their last 10 games and have played very well since the All-Star break. The acquisition of Jose Quintana has really given the team a shot in the arm and the addition of Britton could help even more.
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