The Yankees announced they re-signed LHP Zach Britton to a three-year, $39 million deal with a team option that also includes an opt-out clause.

New York must exercise or decline its fourth-year option for the 2022 season after the second season of Britton's contract. If the Yankees decline Britton's fourth-year team option, then Britton has the ability to opt out and become a free agent prior to the 2021 season.

Britton will earn $13 million in each of the first three years of his contract. The fourth-year team option is worth $14 million.

The 31-year-old Britton had a 2.88 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 25 innings in 25 relief appearances as a Yankee after New York acquired him at last year's trade deadline. Including his 16 outings with the Baltimore Orioles, Britton had a 3.10 ERA in 40 2/3 innings in 2018.

But Britton hasn't been the dominant closer he showed he was capable of being since suffering an Achilles injury that required surgery last offseason. In 2016, he led the league with 47 saves and finished with a 0.54 ERA in 67 innings pitched.

Of course, Britton won't be the closer in the Yankees' stacked bullpen that also features Aroldis Chapman and Dellin Betances, among others.

HARPER: Britton gives Yankees one major advantage over Red Sox >> Read more

CARELLI: Yankees made right move to bolster bullpen with Britton >> Read more

Popular in the Community