Headlines

  • Angels Acquire LaMonte Wade Jr.
  • Braves Designate Craig Kimbrel For Assignment
  • Corbin Burnes To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
  • Braves Select Craig Kimbrel
  • Jerry Reinsdorf, Justin Ishbia Reach Agreement For Ishbia To Obtain Future Majority Stake In White Sox
  • White Sox To Promote Kyle Teel
  • 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
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2025
    • Free Agent Contest Leaderboard
    • 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, Nine Other Teams Attended Zack Britton’s Showcase

By Simon Hampton | March 18, 2023 at 9:26am CDT

The Mets were among the ten teams that attended free agent left-hander Zack Britton’s showcase on Friday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. While the Mets have just lost their closer to a long-term injury, Heyman notes that the Mets’ level of interest in Britton is still unknown.

Britton, 35, was once one of the game’s top relief pitchers, but injuries have held him back in recent years, and he’s only thrown 21 innings over the past two seasons. That small sample was highly uneffective as well, as Britton owned a 6.16 ERA over those two seasons for the Yankees. Last year, in particular, was a frustrating one for the veteran, as Britton worked his way back from 2021 Tommy John surgery to throw, only to walk six of nine batters in his return and wind up back on the injured list for the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury.

With those injury concerns fresh in the memory, it’s tricky to predict just what sort of pitcher Britton can be moving forward. There’s no question about his dominance during his prime, as Britton put in year after year of consistently elite relief work between 2014-20, working to a 1.84 ERA over 367 1/3 innings.

With that sort of track record, a healthy Britton would make sense for a number of teams to take a chance, including the Mets. Brooks Raley is the only left-hander currently projected to make their bullpen, so another southpaw would make some sense. They do have TJ McFarland and Zach Muckenhirn as left-handers in camp with the team, but Britton would represent a clear upgrade on both. They’re also down a man after Edwin Diaz’ season-ending injury suffered in the World Baseball Classic. One case against signing a veteran like Britton is the fact that out of their currently projected bullpen, only John Curtiss and Drew Smith have minor league options remaining, so the team may prefer to add an arm with options remaining to allow for a bit more flexibility in the bullpen ahead of a long season.

Of course, that’s only looking at the Mets, and it’s worth remembering that nine other teams also attended his showcase and would have some level of interest. It’s also worth noting that attendance at a showcase is far from a confirmation of any firm interest in a player, and there’s no indication yet that the Mets are actively pursuing the two-time All Star, although they do make a fair bit of sense.

Share 0 Retweet 6 Send via email0

New York Mets Zack Britton

Latest On The Yankees’ Shortstop Battle
Main
MLBTR Chat Transcript
View Comments (84)
Post a Comment

84 Comments

  1. Jacksson13

    2 years ago

    So what were the other 9 teams that were there watching??
    If you know that representatives from a total of 10 teams were there,
    Then you must be able to identify all the teams at the workout.
    Do some actual REPORTING !!
    Instead of just posting what is fed to you..
    Yesterday is gone = tell us what is going on NOW !!

    20
    Reply
    • Lloyd Emerson

      2 years ago

      Settle down.

      26
      Reply
      • BeforeMcCourt

        2 years ago

        Is complaining about the depth of details in a leaked report on a rumor site not a dumb thing to say?

        Sometimes dumb comments deserve dumb responses

        12
        Reply
      • RSmith

        2 years ago

        Ok saratoga, settle down, relax.

        13
        Reply
      • Jacksson13

        2 years ago

        This just restates what was reported by Jon Heyman,
        who’s crappy reporting only identified 1 of 10 teams
        that sent reps to the workout.

        2
        Reply
      • norcalblue

        2 years ago

        I’ll join you and the 18 other readers here who spoke up for greater civility and endorsed your comment. Thanks!

        3
        Reply
      • Sdubs

        2 years ago

        Relax

        Reply
      • Fever Pitch Guy

        2 years ago

        Lloyd Emerson = Mr. Belding

        Reply
      • Lee Harvey Oddball

        2 years ago

        Agreed. Shut up would have be more appropriate.

        Reply
    • Yankeesfan23

      2 years ago

      Who hurt you?

      6
      Reply
    • crestonguy

      2 years ago

      A tad harsh on the comment, but I agree in principle. I only read the story to see who the other 9 interested teams were. Identifying them was the real story.

      21
      Reply
    • User 2079935927

      2 years ago

      Was your Starbucks shut down? Relax.

      5
      Reply
    • Old timer 78

      2 years ago

      BAIT AND SWITCH HEADLINES!!

      1
      Reply
    • stymeedone

      2 years ago

      Maybe it wasn’t 10 teams. Maybe the Mets sent 10 of their scouts, and they all took separate cars!

      4
      Reply
      • Cora the Destroya

        2 years ago

        If that were the case, wouldn’t it be cheating?

        Reply
    • Lefty_Orioles_Fan

      2 years ago

      Now?
      ARE YOU JG WENTWORTH?
      if you need cash now

      Reply
    • O'sSayCanYouSee

      2 years ago

      mlbtraderumors.com/2023/03/mlb-rumors-zack-britton…

      Previously reported.

      Reply
    • BaseballisLife

      2 years ago

      Their article is based on a tweet that doesn’t mention who the other teams were.

      Start by clicking the links in the article. If you don’t like the information there, find it on your own.

      2
      Reply
    • Cora the Destroya

      2 years ago

      This is exactly what I was thinking. I don’t think you need to settle down, tell it like it is because they made it sound like the Mets are the favorite and only team involved.

      2
      Reply
      • pohle

        2 years ago

        where do you want them to conjure this ‘information’ up from? they’re writing what they KNOW, which is that the mets were there as well as nine other apparently unnamed teams

        Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          2 years ago

          Don’t say it unless you have all the information, otherwise it’s bad reporting.

          Reply
      • BeforeMcCourt

        2 years ago

        They said 10 teams went there! How does that sound like “it’s only the Mets” ?

        Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          2 years ago

          What are the other 9 teams who went there? If they’re not mentioned, then the headline is inferred to be all Mets.

          Reply
  2. Jim Carter

    2 years ago

    Buck needs to stop crushing on former Orioles.

    3
    Reply
    • Roguesaw2

      2 years ago

      He had some good run with those O’s, and now he’s working for ownership willing to spend money and that is not adverse to paying for starting pitching. I say go for it. Not like Britton will be expensive.

      Reply
      • cf89

        2 years ago

        He shouldn’t be expensive, but that’s the question. He held an identical showcase two weeks ago and here we are doing it again, because he had no takers. Likely reason is, he thinks he deserves more than a league minimum deal based on his past performance, but he just doesn’t have anything to justify such a gamble. If he did he wouldn’t be trying to impress scouts, he’d be signed by now.

        2
        Reply
  3. VonPurpleHayes

    2 years ago

    He’s 35 or older. Perfect fit for the Metsies.

    5
    Reply
    • Robrock30

      2 years ago

      Mets will receive $ 20 MM insurance reimbursement for Edwin Diaz 2023 payroll from the WBC so they have some found $ to spend here.

      Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        2 years ago

        I wasn’t at all worried about the Mets finances. They’re blowing through all the luxury tax penalties as is.

        1
        Reply
      • cf89

        2 years ago

        So what? They’re already millions over the luxury tax limit, what difference does money make?

        Reply
  4. vandilioff

    2 years ago

    Feels like teams are interested in Zach; but not in Scott Boras

    7
    Reply
    • BeforeMcCourt

      2 years ago

      A 1/3 of the league showed up. By the numbers, that’s some mix of most playoff-caliber teams and some teams who would like to flip him in July if he bounces back. Who’s afraid?

      1
      Reply
      • Yankeesfan23

        2 years ago

        66% of the league.

        3
        Reply
        • RSmith

          2 years ago

          (More than) 66% of the league. 9/30 isnt a third.

          Reply
        • tstats

          2 years ago

          It’s ok adding is hard some time. Mets and 9 others is 1/3 which implies 20 out of 30, 2/3 were not interested

          7
          Reply
        • Yankeesfan23

          2 years ago

          Look at Isaac Newton over here but 66.7 to be exact.

          3
          Reply
        • drasco036

          2 years ago

          You are horrible at word problems, to be exact.

          Reply
        • Blue Baron

          2 years ago

          @rsmith: It’s basically 1/3, but you felt the need to correct him. Why?

          Reply
        • BeforeMcCourt

          2 years ago

          And the report didn’t say 9/30 but hey, math is hard

          Reply
  5. User 3180623956

    2 years ago

    The amount of pitchers with options hasn’t changed with the loss of Diaz, so why would that be a case against Britton? Maybe they see it as an opportunity to add someone with options but I wouldn’t say it would stop them from signing someone who’s out of them.

    1
    Reply
    • Blue Baron

      2 years ago

      * Number of pitchers.

      Reply
  6. Shawn W.

    2 years ago

    Britton was awesome and saved All Star games for the AL. The league’s best closer gets that role.

    Sinker ballers like Bill Swift or Hershiser got more sink when a little tired, but were finesse. Britton’s power sinker was a devastating out pitch (cutter down) that rivalled Mariano Rivera’s cutter to the left. But Rivera threw his a long time.

    Hope he gets his mojo / quan back, or muscle memory to cut the pitch down hard.

    Reply
    • BeforeMcCourt

      2 years ago

      When sinker ballers are tired, they don’t bend their back as far and tend to get less sink, not more… Derek Lowe would talk about it often

      Reply
      • avenger65

        2 years ago

        Actually I’ve heard sinker ball pitchers are more effective when they’re a little tired. Makes the ball sink more.

        1
        Reply
        • BeforeMcCourt

          2 years ago

          I’m basing it off a major leaguer who had chronic back issues and openly talked about it in interviews while in LA. But I’m glad you’ve heard differently from… someone

          1
          Reply
  7. Buuba ho tep

    2 years ago

    WOW SETTLE DOWN

    Reply
    • Yankeesfan23

      2 years ago

      Comment section got up on the wrong side of the bed today!

      5
      Reply
  8. GO1962

    2 years ago

    Cohen should lure Britton to the Mets with a 6 year $120,000,000 offer.

    Reply
    • utah cornelius

      2 years ago

      These Mets and Padres spending swipes are getting old. The horse isn’t just dead, it’s dust in the wind.

      2
      Reply
      • stymeedone

        2 years ago

        If they are still doing it, its not old.

        1
        Reply
    • avenger65

      2 years ago

      That’s all?

      1
      Reply
  9. User 3595123227

    2 years ago

    I liked Britton back when he was a rock in the bullpen but he’s still unsigned for a reason. To high axing price? Not good anymore? Both? Low cost one year deal with a decent option to get picked up by whatever club is the way he may have to go.

    1
    Reply
    • former_king_of_macomb

      2 years ago

      That comment about a high axing price was pretty cutting!

      If he was with any other agent, Britton would be advised to take a one year, $3m deal with heavy incentives based on appearance. If he is good, he makes money, if he is bad, it’s $3m.

      5
      Reply
      • User 3595123227

        2 years ago

        Totally agree.

        Reply
      • drasco036

        2 years ago

        If Britton was offered 3 million dollars he would have already signed. Odds are, after his first showcase, he was only offered a minor league deal by teams so he threw again after he recovered more, most likely got his velocity up a little.

        Reply
        • User 3595123227

          2 years ago

          I think he’s already been offered at least that if not more. I think he’s holding out letting spring training and injuries take their usual toll and waiting for something more to his liking. Could be overplaying his hand and that doesn’t always work out.

          1
          Reply
        • avenger65

          2 years ago

          You guys are all missing out on the inevitable conclusion. Britton, Profar, Sanchez, etc. are planning on starting their own league. It would offer players without deals by the start of ST. Top pay will be $20,000 for position players and $20,001 for pitchers in the almost non-existent chance of playing MLB again. Remember the Federal League?

          1
          Reply
        • drasco036

          2 years ago

          I strongly doubt he’s been offered more than 3 million. Brad Boxberger signed for less than 3 million and he pitched over 70 innings with a sun 3 era.

          1
          Reply
        • User 3595123227

          2 years ago

          Yeah you’re probably right but I still think he’s asking too much.

          1
          Reply
      • Blue Baron

        2 years ago

        We can be fairly certain he meant ASKING price but didn’t know how to spell it.

        Reply
        • User 3595123227

          2 years ago

          AXING PRICE!!!

          1
          Reply
        • drasco036

          2 years ago

          The axing price is moo

          Reply
        • Blue Baron

          2 years ago

          @retired/advisory: For you who flunked English and/or dropped out of school after junior high.

          Reply
        • User 3595123227

          2 years ago

          axing price.

          Reply
  10. B4Pilgrams

    2 years ago

    Preller traded for Rodgers at the beginning of last year. What move will the Mets make, the bullpen will fall apart if nothing is done

    Reply
  11. disgustingomar

    2 years ago

    Worth a flyer I means what’s it gonna cost if he sucks release him

    Reply
  12. Dutch

    2 years ago

    Since he’s still unsigned along with the fact that the angels attended his showcase and the very next day signed Matt Moore makes me think the showcase was underwhelming.

    1
    Reply
    • Huck 3

      2 years ago

      Matt Moore was a better choice. Really showed what he could do as a reliever last season. Wanted him on my team. As of right now, pre-season, Britton can only be considered a fall back (and that’s all there is now).

      1
      Reply
  13. Rosstradamus

    2 years ago

    I guess I’ll be rooting for him to sign with one of the 9 un-named teams!

    1
    Reply
  14. former_king_of_macomb

    2 years ago

    If he was with any other agent, Britton would be advised to take a one year, $3m deal with heavy incentives based on appearance. If he is good, he makes money, if he is bad, it’s $3m.

    Reply
    • avenger65

      2 years ago

      Interesting that both Britton and Profar are represented by Boras.

      Reply
  15. Stevil

    2 years ago

    Seattle doesn’t have a LHRP (well, not a good one anyway), plays in a pitcher-friendly park. and has done an excellent job helping their pitchers stay healthy and find success.

    Easy to believe they were one of the teams watching. They could easily make room for him by trading their number 7 starter (Miller is their real number 5, so yes, number 7 is correct) for infield depth.

    Reply
  16. geofft

    2 years ago

    I don’t know who MLBTR has on their “currently projected” Mets bullpen. But they are completely wrong about Smith and Curtiss being the only bullpen candidates with options remaining. Brigham, Montes de Oca, Ridings, Coonrod, and Lucchesi still have options remaining. Other than mainstays Roberts, Ottavino, and Raley (who would not be optioned anyway), only Nogosek and Santana are out of options, and Santana is not a lock to remain on the 40-man, anyway..

    Reply
  17. AHH-Rox

    2 years ago

    Highly “uneffective”?
    Me fail English? That’s unpossible!

    2
    Reply
    • This one belongs to the Reds

      2 years ago

      Was he misuninformed?

      1
      Reply
  18. leftykoufax

    2 years ago

    This story would have been real news if Britton wore a one piece bathing suit during his showcase.

    1
    Reply
  19. Big whiffa

    2 years ago

    Reds should push younger brother Diaz on Mets. He had a breakout season last year in majors. A package featuring around baty is an ideal return.

    Reply
    • avenger65

      2 years ago

      Alexis isn’t an Edwin clone. Just because they’re brothers doesn’t mean they have the same ability.

      Reply
      • Huck 3

        2 years ago

        And, imo, the Reds would have to add a lot more to get Baty. I could see Parada for Diaz, because he’s further away. Top prospect, but not on the cusp yet.

        Reply
    • This one belongs to the Reds

      2 years ago

      A proven closer in the bigs for a single suspect does not a smart trade make.

      Baty is not in the Show for a reason, probably why the Mets gave been hyping him for a trade.

      Otherwise they wouldn’t have pursued Correa for a contract lasting over a decade.

      1
      Reply
  20. DBH1969

    2 years ago

    You would think this would give Bloom a woody.

    1
    Reply
  21. LordD99

    2 years ago

    The movement on Britton’s pitches was very good in his short return from the IL last year, but he has zero command. Not unexpected. He rushed back to see if he could provide anything. He could be quite good, but he’ll need to look more at an incentive-laden deal. The Mets might be his best chance to get a shot at closing. He needs to be reasonable in his asks.

    2
    Reply
  22. sjwil1

    2 years ago

    Mets, Cubs, Brewers, Yankees, Red Sox, Twins, Padres, Dodgers, Rangers, and Angels in attendance.

    Reply
  23. solaris602

    2 years ago

    Isn’t this like the third time Britton has held a showcase for teams in the past few months? I have to admire his determination, but I gotta think he’s three and out if he’s still unsigned.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Angels Acquire LaMonte Wade Jr.

    Braves Designate Craig Kimbrel For Assignment

    Corbin Burnes To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Braves Select Craig Kimbrel

    Jerry Reinsdorf, Justin Ishbia Reach Agreement For Ishbia To Obtain Future Majority Stake In White Sox

    White Sox To Promote Kyle Teel

    Sign Up For Trade Rumors Front Office Now And Lock In Savings!

    Pablo Lopez To Miss Multiple Months With Teres Major Strain

    MLB To Propose Automatic Ball-Strike Challenge System For 2026

    Giants Designate LaMonte Wade Jr., Sign Dominic Smith

    Reds Sign Wade Miley, Place Hunter Greene On Injured List

    Padres Interested In Jarren Duran

    Royals Promote Jac Caglianone

    Mariners Promote Cole Young, Activate Bryce Miller

    2025-26 MLB Free Agent Power Rankings: May Edition

    Evan Phillips To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    AJ Smith-Shawver Diagnosed With Torn UCL

    Reds Trade Alexis Díaz To Dodgers

    Rockies Sign Orlando Arcia

    Ronel Blanco To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Recent

    Angels Acquire LaMonte Wade Jr.

    Blue Jays Notes: Scherzer, Varsho, Francis

    Pirates Reportedly Receiving Interest In Isiah Kiner-Falefa

    Angels Sign Ben Gamel To Minor League Deal

    Blue Jays Recall Spencer Turnbull For Season Debut

    Orioles Notes: Westburg, Mullins, O’Neill

    Tigers Notes: Vierling, Olson, Urquidy, Boyd

    Twins Place Zebby Matthews On 15-Day IL, Reinstate Danny Coulombe

    Yankees Claim CJ Alexander

    Phillies Claim Ryan Cusick, Designate Kyle Tyler

    ad: 300x250_5_side_mlb

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

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Nolan Arenado Rumors
    • Dylan Cease Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Marcus Stroman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • 2024-25 Offseason Outlook Series
    • 2025 Arbitration Projections
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 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

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    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

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version