MLB trade rumors: Chances of Zach Britton trade ‘growing slimmer’

The chances of the Orioles trading reliever Zach Britton are “growing slimmer by the day,” according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick. Crasnick adds that the market for Britton hasn’t developed to this point.

Britton was thought to be one of the top trade chips available in advance of next Monday’s deadline, but a confluence of factors has seemed to limit his market. His injury issues (two forearm strains this year), reduced role (one save situation this month) and the Orioles’ deadline role (sitting on the buy/sell fence) have all complicated things.

Baltimore is only five games behind the Royals in the AL wild card race and is currently undecided on its deadline strategy. A potential sale would likely include relievers Brad Brach and Darren O’Day as well as outfielder Seth Smith, though it appears Britton and fellow reliever Mychal Givens are likely to stay put.

Britton, who finished fourth in AL Cy Young voting last year after posting a 0.54 ERA and saving 47 games in 69 appearances for the O’s, was linked to the Dodgers, Cubs and others since hitting the rumor mill. He is under club control through next season.