The Yankees’ bullpen has been a major strength this season, posting a league best 6.1 WAR. But you never can have too many top-end relievers. According to Fancred’s Jon Heyman, the Yanks are interested in lefty relievers Brad Hand and Zach Britton.
yankees are among teams with interest in Zach Britton. (also Brad Hand). others who'd make sense include: astros (had the deal which Baltimore killed last year), cubs, Indians, maybe dodgers, others.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 8, 2018
The team has had interest in Hand since last season. The Padres’ southpaw is averaging a career-best 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings through 39 games. The 28-year-old has also racked up a career-high 24 saves with an ERA of 3.05. He would be the preferred target for the Yanks, as he is under team control until 2020 with a club option for 2021.
Britton, on the other hand, is a free agent this winter and has not been effective since returning from an Achilles injury. In 10 games this season, the 30-year-old has allowed six earned runs in just 9.2 innings pitched (5.59 ERA). He battled forearm injuries last season which limited him to 38 games.
The Padres and Orioles are both in the basement of their respective divisions and will definitely be sellers at the deadline.
