The Baltimore Orioles have shipped closer Zach Britton to the New York Yankees.
This deal was reported as being close to done as of Tuesday evening, and by Wednesday morning it was completed.
#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
Previously linked heavily to the Chicago Cubs, the southpaw is a strong addition to New York’s bullpen. While he will work behind closer Aroldis Chapman in New York, Britton will be the left-handed set-up man that the have been Yankees seeking.
In 15.2 innings this season, the 30-year-old has a 3.45 ERA and 13 strikeouts. His return from a ruptured Achilles last year kept him out of action until he returned to the team in June.
Britton is in the final year of his contract and would be owed slightly less than half of the remaining $12 million from his contract this season.