Earlier in the week, the Yankees lost one of their key relief pitchers from last season, as David Robertson signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Although the Yankees lost Robertson, it appears that another one of their valuable bullpen arms is staying in the Bronx.
#Yankees progressing toward deal with free-agent reliever Zach Britton, sources tell The Athletic. Could be finalized soon.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 6, 2019
Rosenthal first reported that the Yankees and free agent Zach Britton were making progress towards a deal. Jon Heyman of MLB Network and Fancred later added that a deal was close to being completed. Bob Nightengale of USA Today shortly after reported that the deal was finalized, pending a physical.
Yanks are close to a Britton deal. Will be 3 guaranteed but include opt out for Britton and opt in for Yankees that could make it 4 years.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 6, 2019
Zach Britton and #Yankees have now agreed in principal o. 3-year deal. It will be official after his physical
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 6, 2019
Britton deal with #Yankees is three years for about $40M, source tells The Athletic. NYY can exercise fourth-year option after second year. If they do not, Britton can opt out. Option would take deal beyond $50M. Opt-out details first reported by @JonHeyman and @JeffPassan.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 6, 2019
The deal will be a three-year contract for approximately $40 million. The Yankees will have an option for a fourth year that they can exercise after the second year of the deal. The option year would take the deal beyond $50 million guaranteed. If the club elects to not exercise the option, Britton can opt-out of the contract.
Britton was acquired by the Yankees prior to the July 31 trade deadline. The left-hander was inconsistent during the second half, but posted  a 2.88 ERA over 25 appearances for the Bronx Bombers.
Over his eight-year big league career, Britton has a 31-22 record with a 3.21 ERA and 142 career saves.
Since arriving in the Bronx, the 31-year-old has made it known that he enjoys playing for the Yankees organization. Although he likely had options to sign with other teams as a closer, Britton elected to stay with the Yankees, where he will serve as a setup man.
Continue to follow the Bronx Pinstripes team for all the latest news and updates surrounding the New York Yankees this offseason.
