Looking at What’s Next for the Baltimore Orioles and Zach Britton

Zach Britton Remaining on the Baltimore Orioles Roster Beyond 2018

Britton’s contract is up after the 2018 season, meaning he will be a free agent who will have any number of suitors. It was previously assumed that Britton would be getting top dollar and would not be returning to Baltimore.

However, if he doesn’t come back healthy, Britton will suffer back-to-back injury-plagued seasons at a position where dominance often comes and goes.

But, I said it was assumed he gets to free agency.

What if he doesn’t?

As also posted by Dan Connolly of Baltimore Baseball, what if the Baltimore Orioles show their commitment to Britton, and he to them, by offering him a two-year deal before the 2018 season starts.

I’m thinking something in the area of 18-20 million dollars with additional incentives for games pitched, All-Star Games made and saves.

The Orioles would be able to pay a top closer less than $10 million a year. Britton would get the financial stability to know that if his 2018 season is hampered by injury, or even derailed by injury, he isn’t entering free agency on a down note.

The 2019 season could either be an opportunity to show his health and continue to increase his value, r a rebound season where he can be fully healthy and see his value increase.

Must Read: Orioles Express Interest in Pitcher Gerrit Cole

Of course, the Orioles have a few players, such as Mychal Givens and Tanner Scott who some think are closers of the future. This would only be for one more season, and Givens could work as the setup man in 2019. Or, there is the other side of this. You ink Britton to that deal, and he is lights out when he returns.

Then, he has more value as a reliever with another year on his contract at the deadline. Or, you can move him in the offseason for the right package.

Signing Britton to a two-year deal also makes it easier to trade Brad Brach, who is also a free agent after the 2018 season, at the trade deadline.

The Orioles would be saving money in 2018 by offering him this deal, and it does look like a win-win for both the team and Britton. Apparently, there are a lot of hypotheticals that exist here in each of these scenarios.

Next: Orioles Interested in Potential Danny Duffy Trade

But, a week ago no one was imagining the fact that one of the Orioles best trade pieces would be having surgery that would sideline him for months.

Dealing with Britton has both a 2018 consequence and one far into the future. A little foresight now might help the team in the long run.