Baltimore Orioles Hot Stove: Is it time to trade Zach Britton?

As the Baltimore Orioles and the rest of the MLB move closer to the Winter Meetings in Orlando, questions about trades and team goals are rising.

And, as contending teams scramble to fill holes this Hot Stove season, the Baltimore Orioles Zach Britton is drawing interest.

According to Jon Morosi with MLB Network, the latest team that wants to discuss Britton is the Colorado Rockies. As the NL West continues to be one of the strongest divisions in the MLB, the Rockies need to fortify their closer role to stay relevant.

Why the Rockies are showing interest?

The Rockies also inquired about free agent closer Wade Davis. But, for the sake of the Rockies, Britton is younger and has more experience pitching in a hitter-friendly park. While Davis was lights-out when he closed for the Kansas City Royals, he was not as dominant closing for the Chicago Cubs.

Sources: #Rockies pursuing various options to fill vacancy at closer. They have expressed interest in free agent Wade Davis and also spoken with #Orioles about Zach Britton via trade. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 30, 2017

Both Britton and Davis would be expensive acquisitions for the Rockies, but they, like the Orioles, are also under a time crunch. Their best players are approaching free agency, too. Charlie Blackmon and DJ LeMahieu will be free agents after the 2018 season and the NL version of Manny Machado – Nolan Arenado – will be a free agent one season later. If they want to contend, they have to move quickly.

Why move Britton now?

If the Orioles do not make moves to secure starting pitching, there is no reason to hang onto a valuable commodity like Britton. He is an attractive piece for a team needing a closer and the Rockies have prospects that they could swap in exchange. Even though Duquette has already said that he is interested in building up the team rather than tearing it down, Britton did not finish the 2017 season on a high note. And, the O’s have other men who can close a game.

What happens to Britton should be dependent on what happens with the rotation. The way it sits now, there is no reason to keep Britton – unless he suddenly learns how to pitch for six innings every five days.

Next: Grading the O's Hot Stove moves in November

Fortunately for the Orioles, more teams need closers than not. And, since Britton is a lefty, his value and demand automatically increase. One thing is certain, the Orioles should not simply let him walk at the end of the season – unless, of course, the O’s actually make it to the World Series.

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