Chris Archer and Tampa Bay Rays agree to new contract
Mar 14, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sophomore starting pitcher, Chris Archer, and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to a new contract. The deal, for six years, will run through the 2019 season, and has club options for 2020 and 2021. The team hasn’t yet confirmed anything yet, but have arranged a press conference for later in the day. According to Ken Rosenthal, the deal is worth $25 million.
Sources: #Rays agree to six-year extension with RHP Chris Archer in range of $25M. Deal begins this season and includes two club options.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 2, 2014
Archer deal with #Rays will cover 2014 to ’19. Options are for 2020 and ’21. Technically it is a new contract, not an extension.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 2, 2014
Archer first came to the Rays from the Chicago Cubs in a trade for Matt Garza. In his first first year in the majors, in four starts, he compiled a 4.60 ERA. He then exploded onto the scene with a huge rookie campaign. He had a 3.22 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP with a 9-7 record in 128 innings whilst striking out 101, eventually just missing out on Rookie of the Year to teammate Wil Myers.
The right-handed pitcher held hitters to a low .634 OPS off his fastball last season. His slider and two-seamer were also effective pitches for him. The only pitch he struggled throwing was his changeup which hitters rocked an 1.035 OPS off it.
Archer currently is slated as the number four starter on the depth chart behind David Price, Alex Cobb, and Matt Moore. The formidable rotation should solidify the Rays as rigorous contenders in the American League East. Locking up Archer early slots the young and talented pitcher in the Rays rotation for the foreseeable future.
The deal buys out all of Archers arbitration eligible years and his first year of free agency, before the two years of club options.
Staff writer Patrick Green also contributed to this post.