Zach Britton Baltimore Orioles
Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles delivers a pitch in the eighth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on July 21, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Even after trading Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Baltimore Orioles appear to have the most sought-after player that’s likely to be dealt before next week’s 2018 MLB trade deadline. Zach Britton is drawing interest from several teams that are looking for bullpen help on their way towards a World Series run.

The Atlanta Braves could add Britton, though it’s unknown if they’d be willing to part with any valuable prospects for a player that’s set to hit free agency this winter. The Chicago Cubs are engaged in conversations about the reliever, according to reports, and the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are also a possibility.

The Houston Astros might have to be considered the slight frontrunners to land Britton. Houston’s bullpen isn’t exactly a weakness, but the team is lacking in effective lefty relievers.

Houston and Baltimore nearly agreed upon a trade that would’ve sent Britton to the Astros last year, but a deal never reached the finish line. A few weeks later, Houston acquired Justin Verlander in a move that might’ve ultimately won them the World Series. With a 66-36 record and a five-game lead in the AL West, the defending champs are well on their way back to the playoffs.

The Astros lead all MLB teams with a 3.00 team ERA, and their bullpen ranks second only to the Yankees with a 2.96 ERA. Houston was forced to send down closer Ken Giles to Triple-A before the All-Star break because of his 4.99 ERA, and the team’s bullpen cost them at times in last year’s postseason.

Britton has four saves, a 3.54 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP in 15.2 innings since returning from the disabled list. He was the most dominant closer in baseball from 2014-2016. The veteran had a 2.89 ERA in an injury-shortened 2017 campaign.

There’s an outside chance that the Dodgers could complete another trade with the Orioles. L.A. gave up five prospects for Machado, who’ll likely only be a rental for this season.

Baltimore is a big-time seller with the trade deadline approaching. They’ve got MLB’s worst record and are on pace to win just 45 games.

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