Duquette: Lack of return led Orioles to keep Britton

Since the non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone, there have been some reports about how close the Baltimore Orioles got to dealing away star closer Zach Britton, and general manager Dan Duquette puts the blame squarely on last year's market not materializing this season.

"We thought there was a specific market established last year in the two trades the Yankees made - that (general manager) Brian Cashman made," Duquette explained on MLB Network Radio. "He sent Andrew Miller to Cleveland and Chapman to the Cubs ... The market for Zach Britton, we thought, should be right in between those two other trades the Yankees made."

During last year's deadline, the New York Yankees received a package that included Gleyber Torres - now their top-rated prospect - in exchange for two months of Aroldis Chapman. The team also got Clint Frazier - the team's No. 2 prospect, who is now on the major-league roster - as part of the haul from the Cleveland Indians for Miller.

For whatever reason, that market failed to materialize during the 2017 deadline and likely played a large role in not only Britton's retention, but also the San Diego Padres holding onto Brad Hand.

Duquette also refuted claims that team owner Peter Angelos vetoed a deal that the Houston Astros had in place for Britton.

"That's not true, there were a number of issues with that deal," Duquette offered without giving many details, while adding that "whoever is putting that story line out; that's not accurate."