Drake Britton

35-Year-Old PitcherP

Free Agent

2024 Stats

W-L

0-0

ERA

0.00

WHIP

0.00

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W-L

ERA

WHIP

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2024 Fantasy Outlook

There was no outlook written for Drake Britton in 2024. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.

Bats L

Throws L

40 Man No

Height 6'2"

Weight 200

DOB 5/22/1989

Drafted 23rd Rd 2007

Suspended 50 games for amphetamines

PDetroit Tigers

Suspension

August 2, 2016

Britton was suspended 50 games Tuesday after testing positive for amphetamines, Katie Strang of ESPN reports.

ANALYSIS
Britton had been having a down year for Triple-A Toledo, pitching to a 4.57 ERA and 1.55 WHIP over 41.1 innings and will now likely be shelved for nearly the rest of the season as he serves his suspension. At only 27 years old, he still has plenty of time to establish himself as a major leaguer, but he'll now have to live down having a drug violation on his resume.

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Past Fantasy Outlooks

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Britton, a starter his entire minor league career, was an unexpected addition to Boston's bullpen during its championship run in 2013. The organization decided he would convert to reliever full time -- most of his starting success came at the lower levels of the minors -- and he was in the mix to open the season in Boston's bullpen until they signed Chris Capuano. At Triple-A Pawtucket, Britton was pounded by opposing batters and the control problems that dogged him during his career re-surfaced. Britton admitted to losing focus after being demoted to the minors, calling into question his mental makeup. He recovered and pitched well late in the season for the PawSox and threw a scoreless 6.2 innings in September for Boston. The Red Sox have a couple of openings for a left-handed reliever but the re-signing of Craig Breslow and the acquisition of Robbie Ross from Texas suggested Britton was not in their plans. He lost his spot on the 40-man roster after Boston signed Alexi Ogando and was designated for assignment. The Cubs claimed him off waivers. Chicago president of baseball operations Theo Epstein is familiar with Britton when both were in the Boston organization.

Britton had a wild ride in 2013. It didn't start well, with an arrest for driving under the influence during spring training, and his first two months for Double-A Portland were similarly ominous (4.69 ERA in 48 innings). Ever since his dynamite 2010 season in Low-A, Britton hasn't been able to keep it up for long stretches at subsequent levels. Control has been an issue, as well as pitching around trouble and maintaining composure. Through it all, his stuff remained high, he maintained steady K/9 rates, and the Red Sox were still optimistic about his upside. In late May, Britton turned things around and was promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket, but his stay there was short, as the Red Sox called him up to Boston due to a need for a lefty reliever to replace Andrew Miller (foot). Britton had initial success in the majors as a low-leverage reliever, but it wasn't sustained. As a starter, he still needs to develop his off-speed repertoire, and it's unclear if the organization is committed to him as a starter or reliever.

Britton salvaged his career in 2012 after two disastrous campaigns where he seemed to lost command and control of every pitch in his repertoire. Just when it looked like he was straightening out, Britton was arrested on a DUI charge this past spring, calling into question his maturity and focus. The highlight of arsenal remains his fastball, which tops out with frequency in the 95-96 mph range. Britton has inconsistent mechanics, causing the command and shape of his pitches to waver. He'll remain on a starter's track this season, but unless he can sustain consistent mechanics over longer stretches, Britton's future may that of a reliever.

Britton had a truly forgettable season at High-A Salem in 2011, finishing with a 1-13 record and 6.91 ERA while showing very little command. The poor results started to make an impact mentally, but he managed to make all of his starts and hopefully learned something from the experience. And it earned him a promotion to Double-A Portland to open the 2012 season. Commanding his fastball (low-to-mid 90s) is the first order of business for Britton in 2012, in addition to ironing out some loose mechanics.

Britton, a 2008 survivor of Tommy John surgery, is moving up the organizational ranks as a pitching prospect, after a successful 2010 season at Low-A Greenville. The lefty's four-seam fastball lives in the 92-94 mph range and can be dialed up to 96 when needed, and his curveball is there. He really needs to work on the change up and perhaps develop a two-seamer or cutter. Control and command are still issues for Britton, but the Red Sox are very high on his potential. He'll open the 2011 season at High-A Salem.

Britton, 20, made three starts for Short-Season Lowell in 2009, following his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The velocity of his fastball came back, but Britton had an inconsistent release point which resulted in poor command. Being able to throw his fastball for strikes, particularly lower in the zone, will be his prime need for 2010.

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PDetroit Tigers

April 13, 2016

Britton threw a scoreless third of an inning Tuesday during his first appearance in the minors this season.