In 2018, Zach Britton was good, if not great. A 3.10 ERA looked promising, even if his 4.20 FIP gave cause for concern. Of course, over the two previous seasons, Britton was probably the best reliever in baseball. Much of his regression in 2018, however, can probably be chalked up to rust after returning from an Achilles injury.
In signing Britton to a three-year deal, the Yankees clearly believe that. Britton didn’t throw his first MLB pitch in 2018 until June 12th, and New York is betting that a full offseason and spring training will bring the former Orioles closer back to his elite status.