Orioles reach deals with closer Zach Britton, 3B Manny Machado

ByABC News
January 13, 2017, 1:51 PM

— -- Zach Britton, who was a perfect 47-for-47 in save opportunities last season, has agreed to an $11.4 million deal to avoid salary arbitration with the Baltimore Orioles, a source told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick on Friday.

In addition, slugger Manny Machado also avoided arbitration by reaching a one-year deal for $11.5 million, according to multiple reports.

The Orioles' closer had a 0.54 ERA -- the lowest ever for a pitcher who worked at least 50 innings in a season -- as he finished fourth in AL Cy Young Award voting and won the AL Mariano Rivera Reliever of the Year Award.?In 67 innings, he allowed just 38 hits and one homer. He didn't allow a single earned run from April 30 to Aug. 24, a span of 43 appearances.

Britton made $6.9 million last season. He was drafted in 2006 and has spent his entire career with the Orioles, compiling 120 saves, 383 strikeouts and a 3.24 ERA.?

Machado, who played third base and shortstop last season, had career highs in home runs (37), batting average (.294), RBI (96) and slugging percentage (.533). The 24-year-old, who has 105 career home runs since breaking into the majors in 2012, made $5.05 million last season.

Both Britton and Machado are scheduled to become free agents after the 2018 season.