Yankees sign Britton to 3-year, $39M deal with team option

The New York Yankees have re-signed left-handed reliever Zach Britton to a three-year contract with a team option for 2022, the team announced on Friday.

The Yankees will have to exercise the deal's fourth-year option after the second season of the contract, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. If they declined it, Britton will be able to opt out and become a free agent.

Britton will reportedly earn $39 million over the first three years, with another $14 million guaranteed if the Yankees exercise the fourth-year option.

The 31-year-old southpaw joined the Yankees last season when he was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles for Dillon Tate, Cody Carroll, and Josh Rogers. He posted a 2.88 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over 25 innings with New York.

Britton will help solidify a bullpen that currently features Aroldis Chapman, Dellin Betances, Chad Green, and Tommy Kahnle after losing David Robertson to the Philadelphia Phillies in free agency.

With Britton off the table, right-handers Craig Kimbrel and Adam Ottavino are the top relief arms still available. Ottavino was also on the Yankees' radar as recently as Saturday.

In a corresponding move, the Yankees designated infielder Hanser Alberto for assignment. Early in November, New York claimed Alberto off waivers from the Texas Rangers.