Headlines

  • Red Sox Place Hunter Dobbins On 15-Day IL Due To ACL Tear
  • Astros Promote Brice Matthews
  • Red Sox Likely To Activate Alex Bregman Tomorrow
  • Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers
  • Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help
  • Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Mets Among Teams With Interest In Zack Britton

By Steve Adams | January 11, 2023 at 9:54am CDT

The Mets are among the teams that have some interest in free-agent lefty Zack Britton, tweets Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Britton, of course, is plenty familiar with Mets skipper Buck Showalter from the pair’s days in Baltimore, and recently hired bullpen coach Dom Chiti was Britton’s bullpen coach for three years with the Orioles as well.

Britton would give the Mets at least two clear left-handers in the ’pen, joining trade acquisition Brooks Raley as a southpaw who’s seemingly guaranteed a spot. Displaced starter David Peterson could vie for a bullpen gig himself, though perhaps the Mets would prefer to keep him stretched out in the event that they need to tap into their minor league depth. Peterson does have a pair of minor league option years remaining. The Mets also have both Joey Lucchesi (returning this year from Tommy John surgery) and Tayler Saucedo as left-handed bullpen options on the 40-man roster.

The 35-year-old Britton has seen his star dim in recent seasons, due primarily to injuries. Britton underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone chip from his elbow in March 2021 — a procedure that sidelined him for the season’s first two months. He returned in June but pitched only briefly before a hamstring strain sent him back to the injured list. Britton’s return from that injury proved short-lived as well. He was put back on the IL with an elbow strain and went back under the knife for a second procedure to remove chips from his elbow Sept. 2021.

It was announced prior to the surgery that doctors would also be examining potential damage to his ulnar collateral ligament during the procedure. That ominous update was indeed a portent for a more severe injury, as the operation revealed that Britton required a reconstruction of said ligament; a Tommy John procedure wound up being performed as well.

Britton made a fairly improbable comeback when he was activated from the injured list in late September. However, he appeared in just three games with the Yankees and walked six of the nine men he faced before returning to the IL with what the team called shoulder fatigue. Britton’s 92.8 mph average sinker in those three appearances was nowhere close to either the 96.9 mph he averaged at his peak or the 94.9 mph he averaged during his last healthy season in 2020.

Given that recent run of health woes, Britton clearly comes with a good bit of injury risk. Due to the pair of surgeries and the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, he’s totaled just 38 innings since the conclusion of the 2019 season. Britton, to his credit, was excellent in 2020. However, he’s been rocked for a 6.16 ERA with more walks (20) than strikeouts (17) in 19 innings across the past two seasons.

Of course, at his peak, Britton was one of the game’s very best relievers. From 2014-20, the flamethrowing sinker specialist pitched to a combined 1.84 ERA in 367 1/3 innings with a 24% strikeout rate, a 9.2% walk rate and a 76.2% ground-ball rate that established him as the best ground-ball pitcher since batted-ball data began being tracked in 2002. Britton’s ground-ball rates in 2016 (80%), 2015 (79.1%) and 2019 (77.2%) are the three highest single-season marks from a qualified pitcher that have ever been tracked. Unsurprisingly, he suppressed home runs at an elite rate, averaging just 0.37 long balls per nine innings pitched during his seven-year peak.

Certainly, the Mets or any other team signing Britton will be hoping for a reliever closer to those levels than the ugly results he turned in during his injury-ruined 2021-22 seasons. It’s not realistic to expect Britton will return to his juggernaut 2015-16 form, but a healthy Britton is quite obviously still a talented, potential late-game option.

It’s at least worth noting that Heyman’s colleague, Mike Puma, tweets that although the Mets indeed have interest in Britton, it’s also possible their recent frustration following the Carlos Correa saga could impact any potential talks. Both Correa and Britton are represented by the Boras Corporation. Given the number of top-level free agents Boras represents each winter and the Mets’ penchant for chasing big-name stars, it’s overwhelmingly unlikely that the Mets would swear off dealing with the Boras Corporation entirely. That said, with the sting of that saga still fresh for all parties, some short-term frustration is feasible enough.

Share 0 Retweet 3 Send via email0

New York Mets Zack Britton

Red Sox Extend Rafael Devers
Main
Angels Notes: Adell, Moniak, Injuries, Ohtani
View Comments (35)
Post a Comment

35 Comments

  1. CravenMoorehead

    3 years ago

    Very nice of the Mets to consider acquiring free batting practice for the opposing team in high leverage situations

    5
    Reply
    • CaptainJudge99

      3 years ago

      In Heyman we trust, all of a sudden now?

      1
      Reply
    • deweybelongsinthehall

      3 years ago

      Disagree depending on his health.

      Reply
      • HardensBeardHasFleas

        3 years ago

        Hes toast my friend.

        1
        Reply
  2. SODOMOJO

    3 years ago

    If the sinker doesn’t sink, that’s a problem

    2
    Reply
    • RobM

      3 years ago

      The Mets showing interest in another Yankee? Heavens!

      His peripherals were strong in his brief appearances. The movement on his pitches remained. His velocity was down, but mostly it was his inability to throw strikes. Not surprising considering he rushed back.

      Had a 160 ERA+ with the Yankees. I could see him bouncing back to be an effective lefty option with the off season to continue his rehab. Velocity should also tick up.

      If I had to guess, I suspect he returns to the Yankees based on comments made both by Britton and the Yankees. They could also use a second lefty in their pen.

      5
      Reply
      • CaptainJudge99

        3 years ago

        Well the Mets are still waiting on Correa. He’s been working at Taco Bell waiting for an answer. At least he has benefits working there.

        2
        Reply
        • RobM

          3 years ago

          Let’s not underestimate the importance of a good medical plan for someone like Correa!

          3
          Reply
      • Blue Baron

        3 years ago

        @RobM: He is a free agent, which makes him a former Yankee.

        Reply
    • CravenMoorehead

      3 years ago

      If his sinker ain’t working his night is a guaranteed floater

      2
      Reply
  3. fre5hwind

    3 years ago

    He could actually be good, if he would stop getting injured and reworked his pitches.

    Reply
    • Sid Bream Speed Demon

      3 years ago

      Yeah, if he only changes basically everything about himself, maybe even start pitching righty, he could be decent….lol.

      2
      Reply
      • FullMontilla

        3 years ago

        Yes, he could be great if he could just learn how to pitch better!

        2
        Reply
    • intotheblack

      3 years ago

      Blue could actually be green, if it would just add some yellow.

      6
      Reply
  4. tstats

    3 years ago

    Im a Britton believer, he will tick up a hair and be a serviceable lefty

    4
    Reply
  5. davemlaw

    3 years ago

    It only takes one sucker to believe in a guy. Cohen might be the one.
    If the velo isn’t there teams have to question the effectiveness of the power slider. Britton was rushed back and should have sat out last year. If he worked on his conditioning he should get a nice 1 year deal.

    Reply
    • drtymike0509

      3 years ago

      I agree. And as a lefty with that repertoire, you could see a path where he could adjust at a lower speed as long as he can get the same action. Im not envisioning dominace or anything but more than servicable in the pen, if hes right. Not a bad flyer to take at all and get him in the spring, see what he’s has, and go from there.

      Reply
  6. Juggy

    3 years ago

    The Mets organization wants to be the Yankees so bad they’ll do anything to pick up. They want to be the New York elite team so bad they’ll do anything. Still even with all that money

    1
    Reply
    • Curly Is A Dumb Stooge

      3 years ago

      The Yankees have signed more former Mets, and it’s not even close.

      2
      Reply
    • resident

      3 years ago

      If the Mets want to be like the Yankees why are they spending so much money?

      Reply
  7. jwinker

    3 years ago

    He could reunite with Showalter to yet again be left waiting in the pen. #wildcard

    2
    Reply
    • CaptainJudge99

      3 years ago

      @jwinker- Yeah truthfully why would Britton want to go to the Mets after that? An excellent point!

      Reply
  8. Ma4170

    3 years ago

    Omg Mets, just go get Chafin

    7
    Reply
    • Canosucks

      3 years ago

      @Ma4170 Spot on dude as a long time Mets Fan you just saved a ton on Carlos so why not Chafin other than Eppler’s love of ex Yankees?!

      3
      Reply
      • Ma4170

        3 years ago

        Right??

        1
        Reply
    • acoss13

      3 years ago

      Considering how much they’ve spent, they might as well sign Chafin and Britton. Mets need lefty bullpen guys.

      3
      Reply
  9. 10centBeerNight

    3 years ago

    think NYM should continue beefing up pen. Not sure Britton is the guy. But Fulmer, Chafin, Hand still available, correct?

    5
    Reply
    • Curly Is A Dumb Stooge

      3 years ago

      I’ll take Fulmer or Chafin. I’d rather lend a Hand to another team in need.

      4
      Reply
    • Bill M

      3 years ago

      Matt Moore too. All much better options than Britton. If you want another lefty, Chafin is your guy.

      1
      Reply
    • drtymike0509

      3 years ago

      I know money doesn’t matter but Britton and Hand should be the cheapest options. All have been serviceable and all should be in the mix for all teams pens, to be honest. Chafin looks like the best option, Hand the worst without any other info at this time or knowing salary demands…

      1
      Reply
  10. Chris from NJ

    3 years ago

    I don’t see how taking a flier out on Britton can really hurt. At best a weapon out of the pen who can get you a ground ball at worst you cut him loose. Not much to think about imo.

    1
    Reply
  11. StudWinfield

    3 years ago

    No thanks. He was great in 15/16 because his control was markedly better than at any point in his career. Now he has reduced velocity on his money pitch. Very high risk if your going to give him a mlb deal before ST.

    2
    Reply
  12. Rsox

    3 years ago

    Cohen does all of a sudden have $300+ extra million to spend

    1
    Reply
  13. LlamaJackson

    3 years ago

    Give Buck the chance to finally put Britton into a playoff game!

    Reply
  14. Dr2022

    3 years ago

    If i was the mets I would steer clear, dude always has been a big disappointment. Always injured , to boot. Not there when you need him the most.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Red Sox Place Hunter Dobbins On 15-Day IL Due To ACL Tear

    Astros Promote Brice Matthews

    Red Sox Likely To Activate Alex Bregman Tomorrow

    Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers

    Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help

    Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays

    Yankees Release DJ LeMahieu

    Trevor Williams To Undergo UCL Surgery

    Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

    Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff

    Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Bobby Jenks Passes Away

    Braves Release Alex Verdugo

    Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

    Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

    Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

    Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

    Rangers Option Josh Jung

    Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

    Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

    Recent

    Royals Receiving Interest In Catching Prospects

    J.C. Escarra Drawing Trade Attention

    Cristian Javier Begins Rehab Assignment

    Multiple Teams Showing Interest In DJ LeMahieu

    Rafael Devers Suffering From Disk Injury In Lower Back

    Mets’ Dedniel Nunez To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Trade Deadline Outlook: Seattle Mariners

    Reds Activate Jake Fraley, Option Christian Encarnacion-Strand

    Red Sox Place Hunter Dobbins On 15-Day IL Due To ACL Tear

    Cubs Select Brooks Kriske

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version