Whirlwind time, I guess.
Not 15 hours after the Manny Machado trade became official, and now with relievers Brad Hand and Adam Cimber going to the Indians, the market is picking up steam rapidly. Moreover, the Orioles are out there publicly saying they are now going to fully rebuild, which means the Zach Britton rumors – which were already ticking up – are about to explode.
Duquette said clubs more interested now in Britton as he's regained velo. Teams have renewed their interest, #Orioles not as far down the road in the process. O's now can turn their attention to moving Britton
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) July 19, 2018
Duquette – “ we’ll take a look at interest in Britton” and other players who’s contracts expire at the end of the year “ And the Machado trade “signaled a new direction for our ballclub “ @MLBNetworkRadio
— Jim Duquette (@Jim_Duquette) July 19, 2018
Orioles GM Dan Duquette on MLB radio just said his next efforts will be to move the Zach Britton trade market forward . Sources point to the Chicago Cubs as a main player if they are convinced he is healthy.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) July 19, 2018
For the reasons we’ve discussed over the course of the Britton rumors, I like the fit there as a roll-the-dice, high-upside, low-ish-acquisition-cost, rental reliever addition. There will be many teams interested, of course, but he’s as good of a fit on the Cubs as any contender, and they’ve been on him pretty aggressively for well over a year now. The scouting will be there for the Cubs to be able to make as informed a decision as possible about where he’s at in his recovery and his trajectory for the second half.
Stay tuned.