Trade Rumor Roundup: Yankees Step Up Pursuit Of Britton

Orioles closer Zach Britton
Photo credit USA TODAY Images
By WFAN.com

The Yankees' interest in Orioles closer Zach Britton is reportedly intensifying.

With Baltimore anxious to deal Britton as soon as possible, the Yankees are aggressively pursuing the left-hander, SNY's Andy Martino reported.

The Athletic's Jim Bowden tweeted that the Yankees and Astros are in the lead for Britton. However, the Red Sox, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Braves and Cubs are also still in the mix, according to other reports.

Through 16 appearances this season, Britton, 30, is 1-0 with a 3.45 ERA and four saves. He missed the first 2 1/2 months after rupturing his right Achilles tendon during an offseason workout.

MORE: Cashman On WFAN: Deep Farm System Actually Working Against Yankees In Trade Talks

The two-time All-Star led the American League with 47 saves in 2016. He is set to become a free agent after the season.

DRURY BEING DANGLED

According to Yahoo's Jeff Passan, the Yankees are reaching out to teams with controllable relief pitchers and offering up infielder Brandon Drury. WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman reported Drury was dangled in the Yankees' unsuccessful pursuit of Brad Hand, whom the Padres dealt to Cleveland last week.

Yankees offered Brandon drury in their bid for Brad hand. Drury is seen as chip by yanks. Makes sense. There’s no set spot for him on NYy roster.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 24, 2018

Uneasy this past spring about starting two rookie infielders, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acquired Drury in a three-way trade to compete with Miguel Andujar at third base. Drury missed significant time dealing with migraines, which opened the door for Andujar, who is batting .289 with 12 homers. 

Drury, 25, hit .267 and .282 the past two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Passan mentioned Miami's Kyle Barraclough and Drew Steckenrider, Texas' Keone Kela, San Diego's Kirby Yates and Detroit's Shane Greene as possible Yankees targets.

METS TO FLIP PICKUPS?

According to the New York Post's Mike Puma, the Mets are receiving interest in Jose Bautista and Devin Mesoraco, two veterans who weren't on the team when the season began.

Mets receiving some interest in Jose Bautista and Devin Mesoraco.

— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) July 23, 2018

The Mets signed Bautista to a one-year deal in May, days after the Braves released the two-time American League home run champ. Bautista, 37, is batting .235 with five home runs since joining the Mets.

New York acquired Mesoraco, a catcher, from the Cincinnati Reds in the Matt Harvey trade in May. He's hitting .226 with seven home runs in 47 games with the Mets. The 30-year-old will also become a free agent after the season.