MLB Roundup 1/6: Yankees sign Zach Britton

Yankees sign Zach Britton

Another reliever has come off the board, and he’s going to the Red Sox’ biggest rival. Saturday night news broke that the Yankees had brought back a key piece to their bullpen, signing Zach Britton. According to reports, the deal is for three years worth $39 million. I’ve said before I’m not a huge Britton guy and am scared of his performance going forward. I’m not exactly devastated that he signed elsewhere, but at the same time it’s just another name off the board. The good news is the top two options are still out there and teams are coming out of the market. Craig Kimbrel still seems like the most likely signing for the Red Sox, and if this deal is any indication the contract shouldn’t be anything too major. Adam Ottavino is the second-best guy available, but the New York native is still a very real possibility to sign with the Yankees. Remember, they lost David Robertson so they could be looking to add another righty to replace him, particularly with Dellin Betances potentially leaving after this season. The Rangers have also emerged in recent days as real contenders to sign a top reliever, and the Angels were reportedly in the mix at the end of the Britton negotiations. As for Britton, the Red Sox will hope his performance will look more like the last two years than the seasons prior.

Mets trade for Keon Broxton

The other big news on Saturday involved the other New York team, though the names involved weren’t so big. Still, the Mets did get some outfield help thanks to a trade with the Brewers in which they acquired Keon Broxton in exchange for a trio of prospects. Broxton has some real flaws, including some major swing and miss issues, but there’s real power in his bat and his athleticism shines in the field. Broxton is probably best suited as a fourth outfielder and the Mets should really sign A.J. Pollock, if not Bryce Harper, but since they’re the Mets they’ll likely make Broxton a starter.