In the wake of acquiring superstar shortstop Manny Machado from the Baltimore Orioles, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain determined in further upgrading their bullpen ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
The club previously addressed its relief corps with the acquisitions of Dylan Floro and Zach Neal from the Cincinnati Reds at the start of July. But Los Angeles seemingly has its eyes on a more impactful addition, specifically a setup man to help bridge the gap to closer Kenley Jansen.
The Dodgers have most prominently been linked to Orioles closer Zach Britton thus far, marking the second consecutive summer in which they’ve inquired on the two-time All-Star.
According to Fancred’s Jon Heyman, Los Angeles remains among the teams showing continued interest in Britton, though the sweepstakes may not reach a resolution until closer to the trade deadline:
there are many teams looking at Zach Britton. wouldn't surprise anyone if went right up until the deadline. cubs, Phillies, yankees, Red Sox, possibly Astros, dodgers, giants, others.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 21, 2018
Britton, 30, has reestablished his trade value since coming off the disabled list, compiling four saves with a 3.68 ERA in 14.2 innings pitched this season.
More importantly, his velocity has seen an uptick as well, further indicating he has fully recovered from the forearm injury that kept him sidelined for the first two months of the season.
The Dodgers could hold an advantage over other interested suitors in talks for Britton, considering they just completed a blockbuster trade with the Orioles involving Machado.
Baltimore extensively scouted Los Angeles’ farm system and could use that knowledge of their prospects to hammer out another deal in the coming days ahead.
Dodgers closer Jansen is a big fan of Britton and would welcome him with open arms to the bullpen, expressing his desire to the front office to make another splash in the form of relief help.
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