If the Orioles decide to trade left-handed closer Zach Britton by the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, it goes without saying that it will fundamentally change the team.
If the Orioles were to trade Britton to one of the teams most prominently mentioned -- the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs -- in return they would have to get a pitcher who could start now or, at the latest, in 2018. The trade would also need to include some younger prospects to help bolster a substandard farm system.
Losing Britton would weaken the bullpen, but the addition of an effective starter could lessen the Orioles' dependence on relievers.
