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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 teams who should target Chris Archer

By Joshua Sadlock

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 13: Chris Archer #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays in action against the New York Yankees at Citi Field on September 13, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Rays 3-2. The two teams were scheduled to play in St. Petersburg, Florida but due to the weather emergency caused by Hurricane Irma, the game was moved to New York, but with Tampa Bay remaining the 'home' team. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 13: Chris Archer #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays in action against the New York Yankees at Citi Field on September 13, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Rays 3-2. The two teams were scheduled to play in St. Petersburg, Florida but due to the weather emergency caused by Hurricane Irma, the game was moved to New York, but with Tampa Bay remaining the 'home' team. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – SEPTEMBER 4: Carlos Martinez #18 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches during a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on September 4, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Andy Hayt/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – SEPTEMBER 4: Carlos Martinez #18 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches during a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on September 4, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Andy Hayt/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) /

3. St. Louis Cardinals

Having a deep farm system at all times is a hallmark of the St. Louis Cardinals organization. While their depth took a hit in the trade for All-Star Marcell Ozuna, the Cardinals are far from bankrupt when it comes to elite prospects with which to make more trades.

St. Louis is a great fit for a pitcher like Archer, who is not quite an ace even if some of the advanced metrics paint him in that light. The Cardinals rotation would continue to be led by Carlos Martinez and Luke Weaver, with Archer slotting in behind with Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright. In St. Louis, Archer would not have quite so much pressure to be “the guy,” and that may allow him to blossom.

Jack Flaherty is a very intriguing arm and a consensus top-100 prospect. He reached Triple-A for the first time last year and went 7-2 with a 2.74 ERA in 15 starts. Flaherty has not added much velocity to his fastball since being drafted out of high school, but he has great command, can hit the mid-90s and is knocking on the door of the big leagues at the age of 22. He would join Brent Honeywell, Blake Snell and Jake Faria in forming the next great rotation in Tampa Bay.

The Cardinals have missed the playoffs for two straight years, and are in danger of making it three in a row if they do not keep pace with their competition in the NL Central and NL West. Adding Ozuna gave them a desperately needed power bat, but one more starting pitcher is needed to put this team over the top.

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