The New York Yankees have reportedly agreed to terms of a 3-year contract worth $39 million with reliever Zach Britton. Britton’s contract is a three-years 39 guaranteed with an option for a fourth year taking the total to $53 million guaranteed. The Yankees exercise this option after year two, if they do not opt-in, Britton may opt out after year two and walk away with $26 million guaranteed. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports was quick to report the teams being close and the financial terms of the deal soon after.
When finalized, Zach Britton’s deal with the Yankees will be for three years guaranteed, sources tell ESPN. The Yankees will be able to exercise a fourth-year option after the second season. If they don’t, Britton will have the ability to opt out following that second year.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 6, 2019
Zach Britton’s financial details:
Three years, $39 million guaranteed.
If Yankees opt into fourth year, $53 million guaranteed.
If Yankees don’t and Britton opts out, he’ll have made $26 million over the first two seasons.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 6, 2019
Britton was traded to the Yankees at the 2018 deadline where he became a vital piece to the Yankees lockdown bullpen featuring names like Dellin Betances, Aroldis Chapman, and David Robertson who just signed with the Phillies. Britton’s 2018 numbers featured a 3.10 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, and 34 strikeouts over the course of 40.2 innings pitched for the Yankees.
This move is another attempt by the Yankees to bolster down the pitching staff and overall get the Yankees into a position where they can compete late into the postseason and compete with a team like the Red Sox. Britton is a solid left handed arm to set-up for closer Aroldis Chapman late in the game.
