The Yankees have exercised their 2022 contract option on reliever Zack Britton, league sources told SNY.
Because of a unique contract structure, that means that the team retains control of Britton for the 2021 season at $13 million. Had they declined the $14 million option for 2022, Britton would have had the option of becoming a free agent this winter.
Britton, who turns 33 in December, has been an ace reliever for the Yanks over the past two-plus seasons, and an important personality too.
The team’s union representative, he served as a bridge between management and players on Covid-related issues this year, and earned praise from both sides.