MLB Trade Deadline: 5 best spots for Chris Archer

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Jun 14, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Joakim Soria (48) is congratulated by catcher Salvador Perez (13) after the win over the Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

7. . American League. Central. Kansas City Royals. 3. player

Okay, I said that the Rays probably wouldn’t trade Archer within the league, but the defending World Series champions might have just enough to keep Tampa Bay’s attention long enough to make a move. Plus, the teams have a history of making deals, including one that sent current Royals closer Wade Davis out west.

The one problem that the men in baby blue might run into is that they gave up a lot of talent to get some other players recently, including Johnny Cueto. At this point, though, it may be worth it to trade one or two components from the big club back to the Sunshine State to get another arm in the rotation.

Why is it so important? Because entering the All-Star Break, Kansas City as a combined staff ERA of just a hair under five runs a game (4.99). Edinson Volquez, Yordano Ventura, and Chris Young have combined for an ERA of 5.40 in just 266 and 1/3 innings this season, so the time has come for Kansas City to get some help if they want to evaporate a deficit that stands at seven games in the AL Central and four and a half games in the Wild Card Race.

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