Zach Britton is interested in re-signing with the New York Yankees in free agency this winter.
New York Yankees reliever Zach Britton would “definitely love to be back” with the team in 2019, according to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com. Britton, 30, was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in July and owns a 3.13 ERA and two saves in pinstripes.
“I’m sure we’ll kind of see where they are and where we are, but I would definitely love to be back,” Britton said. “I don’t know where they are in terms of arbitration raises and all that, but this would definitely be one of my top choices.”
Britton referred to his time in New York as “everything I would have hoped it would have been,” also pointing out the team’s treatment of his family:
“The amount of staff they have here, everyone knows your name when you come in. The people in the players love. The kids room that they have, it’s a full-on daycare for all age groups. The wives suite — in Baltimore, I had to pay for the wives suite. Here, it’s given to the wives, a place for them to go and kind of get away. They have a staff that are licensed to take care of the kids, and there are activities for them and they’re not just in a room playing.”
As great as it would be to have Britton back with the Yankees, it could prove complicated. Regular closer Aroldis Chapman is under contract for $15 million in 2019 and could earn another $30 million if he opts in for 2020 and 2021.
Not only that, but Britton became a household name as the Baltimore Orioles’ dominant closer. He is making $12 million this year and could demand closer money on the open market. It’s hard to believe he’d consider a pay cut just to remain part of New York’s deep and dangerous bullpen.
New York also has Dellin Betances on the roster, plus David Robertson’s free agency to consider. All in all, it’s not looking like Zach Britton will be back with the Yankees despite his remarks.
