3 Rays players who won't be back next season

3 Rays players who won’t be back next season

Oct 10, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash (16) checks on relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks (29) during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox in game three of the 2021 ALDS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

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Chris Archer

The Rays were the recipients of the most lopsided trade in MLB history. By trading Chris Archer to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018, they received Austin Meadows, Tyler Glasnow and Shane Baz. But prior to the start of this season, the Rays signed Archer to a one-year deal to return to the team.

Archer had missed the entirety of the 2020 season with the Pirates after undergoing surgery to relieve symptoms of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. The right-hander made two starts in April, before being placed on the injured list due to a forearm strain. He would make four more starts on the season beginning in late August but was ruled out for the remainder of the year due to a hip injury.

Overall, Archer recorded a 4.66 ERA, a 1.34 WHIP, 21 strikeouts and eight walks over 18.1 innings of work (six starts).

Archer is set to become a free agent, and it will remain to be seen if the Rays bring him back on another deal.

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