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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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Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Layton/Getty Images /

4. Seattle Mariners

With just three wins in their last 10 games, and now a negative run differential despite a 59-40 record, the Mariners are coming back to Earth a little. As they somehow try to keep up with the Houston Astros in the AL West (six games back entering Sunday) and keep the Oakland A’s behind them in the division and the Wild Card race, general manager Jerry Dipoto may be inclined to make a deal for a starting pitcher.

Ace James Paxton is in line to return from his back injury on Tuesday night, which will clearly help. Felix Hernandez returned from a back injury of his own on Saturday night, and pitched decently in a loss as the Mariners were shut out (three earned runs, seven strikeouts and two walks over five innings). But he is no longer “King Felix,” with a 5.14 ERA so far this season. Wade LeBlanc has pitched well, with a 3.25 ERA over 15 starts since the beginning of May, but the bloom could come off that rose at any moment.

Dipoto has not been afraid to make trades, as most recently evidenced by a deal with the Rays for reliever Alex Colome and outfielder Denard Span in late- ay. It’s easy to see him circling back to Tampa Bay now, with an offer for Archer in an effort to bolster Seattle’s starting rotation.

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