Photo credit: Joy R. Absalon

Reliever Brad Brach

He’s a little older (31 to 29) than Zach Britton and not nearly as established as a closer, though Brach did pick up 16 saves in Britton’s absence. He’s also much cheaper ($3.05 million in 2016) and is also signed through 2018. Brach should get a substantial raise in arbitration, which seems to value saves quite a bit. Although Britton could fetch more in return, the Orioles still would want a hefty package for Brach, highlighted by high-ceiling, near-ready arms. The suitors are probably the same too – with Houston being a particularly good fit since Brach can close or set-up, depending on how Ken Giles performs. The Astros have a deep farm system, but may want to hold onto their top echelon prospects, which the Orioles would demand for Britton. My gut feeling is that Brach or Britton gets dealt this week, but not both.