Not long after the General Manager Meetings began in Orlando, Fla., reports began circulating that the Baltimore Orioles would consider trading closer Zach Britton. The first report was by FanRag Sports.
The Orioles came close to sending Britton to the Houston Astros at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but the reported deal fell apart. Prior to the final game of the 2017 season, executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said the club didn't plan on trading Britton.
It shouldn't be a surprise that the Orioles would at least consider moving Britton given the team's strong need for starting pitching. Britton could potentially land the Orioles a major-league ready starter -- and maybe more.
