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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 teams who should have interest in Chris Archer

By Brad Berreman

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 02: Chris Archer #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Seattle Mariners in the first innng during their game at Safeco Field on June 2, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 02: Chris Archer #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Seattle Mariners in the first innng during their game at Safeco Field on June 2, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Chris Archer seems sure to be on the move before the trade deadline, and these five teams should have the most interest.

The Tampa Bay Rays weren’t expected to be very good this year, but here they are at .500 (49-49) entering Sunday’s action. A spot in the postseason is a far away thought, though, with the team 19 games back in the AL East and 9.5 back of the second AL Wild Card spot. As a trade deadline seller, the Rays seem to be putting it out there that Chris Archer is available.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports and The Athletic, Archer is drawing “significant interest” on the trade market.

Through 15 starts (84 innings) this season, Archer has a 4.29 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP with a 9.2 K/9 and a 3.1 BB/9. He recently returned from a disabled list stint due to an abdominal strain, and he has allowed five runs (four earned) with 10 strikeouts and three walks over a combined 7.2 innings. His streaks of seasons with 200-plus innings (three) and at least 32 starts (four) are sure to end this year. But Archer has been a bankable, reliable starter, and being under team control through 2021 on an affordable contract will make him more than a trade deadline rental.

Archer will make his next start on Sunday against the Miami Marlins, and he’d be in line for another start before the trade deadline comes on July 31. There should be plenty of scouts in attendance at Tropicana Field Sunday, and if Archer pitches well a deal could be struck quickly.

It’s no surprise Archer is garnering a lot of interest on the trade market. But these five teams should be at the front of the line.

Mandatory Credit: Al Bello/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Al Bello/Getty Images /

5. New York Yankees

General manager Brian Cashman has suggested the asking price for starting pitching will keep him out of that market, but the Yankees have a clear need. Beyond Luis Severino and C.C. Sabathia, Sonny Gray, Masahiro Tanaka and Domingo German have been less than impressive or hurt for a time in Tanaka’s case. Of particular concern is Gray’s performance at home this year, with a 7.62 ERA over nine starts even after a better outing Saturday against the Mets (three runs allowed over 5.1 innings).

Archer would look pretty good in the Yankees’ rotation behind Severino, and as mentioned he’s more than a rental for the rest of this season. If there’s any hope to catch the Boston Red Sox in the AL East, with a lot of head-to-head games left, adding Archer or another starter of his caliber is a prerequisite between now and the deadline.

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