Yankees reportedly have ‘real’ interest in Zach Britton

The New York Yankees were unable to pry Manny Machado away from the Baltimore Orioles, but they are hoping they can still work out a deal with their division rival that will help bolster their bullpen.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the Yankees have “real” interest in Orioles left-handed reliever Zach Britton, though they could be competing with as many as six other teams.

Source tells me the Yankees’ interest in Orioles closer Zach Britton “is real.” Up to a half-dozen teams are still in the mix, but Yankees appear ready to make a serious push for the LHP. @martinonyc was first (I believe) to connect Yankees and Britton.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 24, 2018

Britton ruptured his Achilles last December, and he is still trying to regain the form that made him one of the best closers in baseball for several seasons. He has looked very sharp in the month of July, recording three saves and a win in seven appearances and lowering his ERA from 5.59 to 3.45. A team that was close to acquiring Britton last year is also said to still be interested, so the Orioles should be able to get a decent return.