MLB Trade Rumors: Who Are The Yankees, Phillies Eyeing After Machado Dealt To Dodgers?

The New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies both engaged in trade discussions with the Baltimore Orioles about Manny Machado before the shortstop was ultimately dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now, the teams will look for other routes to upgrade their respective rosters before the 2018 MLB trade deadline.

That could mean going after another Orioles’ player. According to Fancred’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees and Phillies have shown interest in reliever Zach Britton.

Britton, 30, is in the final year of his contract and has made 15 appearances this season. He first struggled upon returning from an Achilles injury, but the pitcher is starting to look like the player that was once considered to be the best closer in baseball.

In his last seven appearances before the All-Star break, Britton allowed no runs and six baserunners in seven innings while striking out six batters. Britton had a 2.89 ERA in 37.1 innings last year in a season that was shortened because of an injury. The closer averaged 40 saves with an outstanding 0.95 ERA from 2014-2016.

There had been rumors that the Yankees and Orioles discussed a larger deal for Machado that would’ve also included Britton. New York decided not to trade any of their top prospects for players that are set to hit free agency in a few months.

The Yankees have been focused on adding a pitcher, though it’s the rotation that really needs help. New York’s bullpen has the best ERA in all of baseball, but their starters are 14th overall in that department. With the likes of J.A. Happ, Cole Hamels and Michael Fulmer seemingly the best starters available—all three have an ERA well north of 4.00—the Yankees could decide their best option is improving the bullpen even more.

New York is likely headed to the playoffs. They trail the Boston Red Sox by 4.5 games in the AL East and could host the AL Wild-Card Game for a second straight year.

Philadelphia made a harder push than New York to acquire Machado, and they were even considered to be the favorites to get a deal done by some when the All-Star break began. While the Yankees have one of baseball’s best offenses, the Phillies are just 11th in the NL in runs scored. They could go after another hitter over the course of the next two weeks.

Minnesota Twins’ infielder Eduardo Escobar could make sense for Philadelphia. He’s got a .271/.327/.507 slash line with 14 homers and 57 RBI. Minnesota doesn’t look like a playoff contender at 7.5 games out of the AL Central, and Escobar will become a free agent in just a few months.

The Phillies could try to bolster a pitching staff that’s been the team’s strength. Philadelphia— as well as the Yankees and other teams—had been linked to San Diego Padres’ reliever Brad Hand, according to The Athletic's Dennis Lin, before the reliever was sent to the Cleveland Indians Thursday morning. There’s also been speculation regarding a possible reunion between Philadelphia and Hamels, who is expected to be dealt before the trade deadline.

Philadelphia has the sixth-best team ERA in the National League. They’ve got the NL’s fourth-best rotation, and seven other bullpens have a better ERA. Cy Young candidate Aaron Nola and former Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta give the Phillies a strong one-two punch at the top of the rotation.

With a 53-42 record, Philadelphia has a half-game lead in the NL East. The Phillies last had a winning record and made the playoffs in 2011.