Phillies reportedly ‘very aggressive’ on Zach Britton

The Philadelphia Phillies entered the offseason with the intention of being spenders, and they are doing just that.

On Tuesday, the Phillies signed Andrew McCutchen to a reported 3-year, $50 million deal pending a physical. Additionally, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports that the Phillies have been “very aggressive” regarding free agent reliever Zach Britton.

Sources: #Phillies remain “very aggressive” on free-agent reliever Zach Britton. Other teams still in mix.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2018

Britton, 30, only pitched 40.2 innings last season due to his return from an Achilles’ tendon injury. He was traded by Baltimore to the Yankees during the season and posted a 3.10 ERA for the season.

Britton was dominant from 2014-2016 and was historically good in 2016 when he racked up 47 saves and a 0.54 ERA in 57 innings. Developing a nearly unhittable sinker helped turn around his career.

The southpaw is somewhat damaged goods due to his Achilles injury and forearm injury. Philly and others are likely willing to take a risk on him.