Angels Targeting Former All-Star Closer

The hot stove has cooled off over the last few weeks with most of the top free agents off the board, but there are still several impact players available.

One of those players is former All-Star closer Zack Britton, who the Los Angeles have been linked to recently.

Zack Britton Angels Rumors

MLB Network analyst and former GM Steve Phillips reported on Thursday that the Angels are still targeting Britton, confirming earlier reports that Los Angeles was eyeing the two-time All-Star.

The 35-year-old left-hander is looking to bounce back after having his last two seasons ruined by injuries and poor performance. He missed most of 2021 and 2022 with hamstring issues and Tommy John surgery, limiting him to just 19 innings during that span. He struggled on the rare occasions when he was able to take the mound, posting a 6.16 ERA with a 2.00 WHIP in 25 appearances.

Prior to that, however, Britton was one of the best relievers in baseball. He enjoyed a historically great season with the Baltimore Orioles in 2016, drawing Cy Young votes after posting a 0.54 ERA and leading the American League with 47 saves. He also enjoyed success with the New York Yankees after being traded there in 2018, logging a 2.75 ERA as primarily a setup man in pinstripes.

If the Angels do end up signing Britton, they'll be banking on a return to form from a pitcher who needs to prove he can stay healthy after recording just 38 innings over the last three seasons combined.