MLB Rumors: Mets Linked To Showalter's Ex-Closer

He's a bit of a forgotten man in the free agent pool—a one-time closer who returned in September after a year off from Tommy John surgery. But 35-year-old Zack Britton only threw three innings for the New York Yankees, so he's still sort of flying under the radar. 

One thing to watch for is a potential Zack Britton reunion with Showalter on #Mets. Britton was shut down by the Yankees last September after returning from TJ surgery, but should be back up to speed by spring training.

— David Lennon (@DPLennon) December 15, 2022

New York Mets manager Buck Showalter, however, is more than familiar with Britton from managing him with the Baltimore Orioles for eight seasons. Britton was a two-time All-Star with those Orioles, and saved 135 games over a four-year span, slowed only by an injury in 2017. 

Reports have Britton to be ready and fully healthy for spring training. 

The Mets, of course, already have one of the top closers in the game in Edwin Diaz, fresh off signing a new 5-year, $102M deal. Britton, at 35, wouldn't be needed for that high-stress role; a set-up role like he filled for the Yankees in 2019 and 2020 (to a lock-down 1.90 ERA over those two years), would be just fine. 

It'll be interesting to see if Showalter pushes for a reunion with his old friend. 

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports