The Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be on the verge of acquiring Baltimore Orioles All-Star shortstop Manny Machado, who could be the best player moved ahead of this season’s non-waiver trade deadline.
Looking to win their first World Series since 1988, Machado will certainly help in the postseason, although the Dodgers still have other needs to fill. Perhaps the biggest at present time is bolstering their bullpen, a unit that has been mediocre in 2018 after being among the best in baseball in 2016 and 2017.
Kenley Jansen knows that their bullpen could use some reinforcements, and is hopeful that Orioles closer Zach Britton will be a late addition to the Machado trade, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports:
“I just hope we won’t stop there.”
Jansen’s wish is that the deal is expanded to also include Orioles reliever Zach Britton, and if Britton comes along in the deal, Jansen believes the Dodgers can start printing World Series tickets.
“I really hope so,” Jansen said. “I’ve been wanting to get him for two years. I would be excited to have a guy back there to close games and help me out. Hopefully, we can get a few pieces for our bullpen.
“But no matter what, I’m just so excited to get Manny. Manny, you’re talking about a superstar. He’s the best hitter in the game right now. Now, we have a chance.”
After being perhaps the best closer in all of baseball in 2016, Britton has been plagued by injuries the past two seasons, although that has not stopped the Dodgers from having interest.
Britton has only appeared in 15 games this season due to a ruptured Achilles that he suffered in the offseason. He has posted 3.38 ERA, 4.30 FIP and 1.36 WHIP in 14.2 innings. If the Dodgers do acquire him, they will be hoping he can return to his dominant 2016 form at the backend of their bullpen along with Jansen.
The Dodgers seem to be aware of the need to address their bullpen before the deadline, so even if they don’t wind up with Britton, help presumably will be on the way.
As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.
