As the July 31 trade deadline inches closer, the American League East-leading Boston Red Sox are exploring the market for bullpen help. According to FanCred Sports' Jon Heyman, Boston is one of several suitors lining up for talented Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton.
"He looks like the Britton of old," a scout told Heyman, who reports that the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Atlanta Braves are also inquiring about a deal for him.
Britton made his 2018 debut last month after recovering from an Achilles injury, and has a 3.68 ERA with four saves in 15 appearances. He hasn't allowed an earned run in seven straight appearances, dating back to a blown save in a June 27 loss to the Seattle Mariners.
Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe reports that Orioles scouts have been checking in with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs, with particular interest in prospect Michael Chavis.
Baseball America ranks Chavis as the No. 2 prospect in the Red Sox system, but does not have him in its most recent Top 100 prospect rankings. In 10 games split between Portland and Low-A Lowell this season, Chavis is hitting .222/.364/.500 with two home runs and six RBIs.
