Don’t be shocked to see Chris Archer in pinstripes soon.
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer has been embroiled in trade talks for what seems like an eternity.
The right-hander was, at one time, seen as the anchor of the Rays starting pitching rotation, but now that ship seems to have all but sailed into the crystal blue calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
According to SYN, the Evil Empire of Baseball, a.k.a. the New York Yankees, are in negotiations with Tampa Bay on a trade that would see Archer pitch in pinstripes. The Yankees are just one of seven teams that are trying to get the ear of the Rays front office, but, let’s be real, the Yankees are the true front-runners to getting this ace.
Yes, the Atlanta Braves need another star-quality pitcher and the Milwaukee Brewers would be vaulted to contender status with Archer aboard, but the truth is told, the Yankees would be the best fit for Archer as their fifth starter.
The Yankees aren’t betting the farm in acquiring Archer, and the Rays don’t have to trade him right away if they don’t want to, even though they should while the market is good.
Archer is under contract until 2021, which, ironically, is one of the main reasons why Archer is so attractive to so many teams. If he’s traded, he won’t be a down-the-stretch rental, but a true anchor who, when he’s on, can be a dominant part of the rotation.
The Yankees adding Archer would no doubt propel them past the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros as the team to beat this season. Archer needs some new scenery, and there’s no better place to revive his career than in the Bronx, with a dominant defense and offense at his disposal.
The thought of the Yankees acquiring Archer should terrify the league.