Bote Headlining Potential Deal for Orioles Britton?
Jul 14, 2018; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) throws to the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Cubs were expected to add to their bullpen at the deadline, and with closer Brandon Morrow going on the shelf for the second time – their pursuit has increased. One obvious target is the Baltimore Orioles’ closet, Zach Britton.
The Cubs reportedly checked in on Britton this past offseason, and even though Zach was injured for most of the season, their interest hasn’t waned. At this point, it’s safe to say the Cubs are the favorite to land Britton.
But what would it take?
Well, Charles the Cat has heard a couple names.
ICYMI: Names I heard yesterday being discussed in Britton talks. David Bote, Brendan Little, Thomas Hatch. There are no doubt other names being discussed as well. And no those names aren't necessarily being discussed as a package. Just names involved in talks.
— Charles the Cat™ (@CharlsMeow) July 22, 2018
This goes along with my thought from the other day. Britton’s stock is down and that can benefit the Cubs.
There are a couple other teams that could come in and jump the Cubs, but right now it’s safe to say Chicago is the front-runner.
So could a package of David Bote, Brendon Little, and Thomas Hatch be enough to get a former All-Star pitcher? Here is what Buster Onley suggests.
To tack on to what Jerry writes in this post: https://t.co/ton3o2TyPA Heard that the Orioles are indicating to other teams they’re looking for a return at least equivalent to what the Royals got for Kelvin Herrera.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 22, 2018
Well if the Orioles are looking for a similar deal as the Washington Nationals gave up to the Kansas City Royals, then maybe that package works out just fine. The Nationals acquired Kelvin Herrera for outfielder Blake Perkins, third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez, and righty Yohanse Morel.
A third baseman, an outfielder, and a pitcher. None of which are top 100 prospects. None of them really turn a franchise around. Perkins is the only one that might have transferable skills.
Offering Bote, Little, nor Hatch are Top 100 prospects. Bote is a Four-A player, Little has skill but is far off and hasn’t pitched well in his limited action, and Hatch has shown signs of being able to miss bats but hasn’t impressed much above that.
The Astros could jump into the fold here, and they were rumored to be involved in the New York Mets, Jeurys Familia conversations. The Boston Red Sox have interest as well. But still, the Cubs should be able to get this deal done sooner, rather than later.
