The Yankees have several holes to fill in free agency, but the team would be smart to make a big offer to keep Zach Britton in pinstripes.
Brian Cashman figures to be a very busy man this offseason. The New York Yankees have several holes to fill, and more importantly, should have a lot of money to spend. It would be a serious mistake by the front office if Zach Britton doesn’t return to the Bronx next season.
He isn’t a big name player on the level of Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, but he’s a key part of this year’s team. Britton struggled when he first came over from Baltimore, but he’s gotten better as the playoffs have inched closer. In fact, the veteran left-hander hasn’t given up an earned run in eight September appearances.
Britton’s recent comments make it clear he’s open to re-signing for the Yankees. In particular, he’s very complimentary of the way the organization has treated his family. Specifically, he’s cited the free childcare provided by the team and amenities for his wife as reasons he’d like to stay.
That doesn’t mean he’s going to take a discount to return to the Yankees, though. Anonymous sources around the club insist that he’ll be seeking closer type money on the free agent market. The team might be initially hesitant to pay him that sort of money due to the organization’s investment in Aroldis Chapman.
It would be a mistake to let the presence of Chapman allow Britton to walk out the door. There’s no reason the two players can’t coexist in the Yankees bullpen. They’ve certainly done a good job of it this season when both players have been healthy. Britton can arguably be the best left-handed setup man in baseball when Chapman is on his game. Obviously, Britton also has the ability to close games when Chapman heads to the DL.
Letting Britton leave in free agency might make sense if the Yankees were in a position to acquire several top-flight starters on the open market. As it stands, New York will be fortunate if they can sign one quality starter to supplement their rotation in the offseason. That means Aaron Boone’s group of starters will struggle to be elite in 2019. That makes building an elite bullpen all the more important.
The Yankees shouldn’t hand Britton a blank check in free agency, but they need to make a competitive offer as soon as they’re permitted to begin negotiations. Cashman needs to show Britton the love and the money to make sure he returns to the Bronx in 2019.