The Chicago Cubs' bullpen has struggled over the last month, and that has the front office coveting one of the top relievers available.
The Cubs are interested in Baltimore Orioles left-hander Zach Britton and are reportedly deeply involved in discussions for the two-time All-Star, sources told Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves, both of whom were linked to Britton in reports, don't appear to be quite as engaged on him as they used to be, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.
Britton missed the first two months of the season after rupturing his Achillies tendon in December, though he appears fully recovered. He owns a 3.68 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts over 14 2/3 innings and entered Saturday having not allowed a run over his last seven frames.
Chicago will certainly have competition for Britton. The market for the impending free agent reportedly includes nearly every top contender, virtually assuring that the Orioles will land a strong package, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
The Cubs' bullpen owns the seventh-worst ERA in the majors over the last 30 days and are without closer Brandon Morrow, who's on the disabled list with biceps inflammation.
