Winners and Losers of the 2017 World Baseball Classic

Chris Archer – Winner

With one strong start with Team USA, Chris Archer proved that 2016 was nothing more than a fluke while remaining healthy in the World Baseball Classic. Although his time in the tournament came to an end after one appearance, he returns to the Tampa Bay Rays ready to rebound.

"“It was amazing,” Archer said (per mlb.com). “It was some of the most run I’ve ever had playing baseball. And hopefully we can have a similar approach and atmosphere this year. Just having fun and playing meaningful games.”"

The year following an All-Star season that ended with him coming in fifth for the Cy Young Award, Archer’s numbers dropped drastically. Through 33 starts in 2016, he went 9-19 with a 4.02 ERA after losing his first four starts of the season.

Regardless of the struggles he brought with him to the WBC, Archer left with reaffirmed confidence. He began Team USA’s run to the championship with a perfect four-inning start against Colombia on March 10. Archer retired each of the 12 batters he faced and struck out three.

Archer showed in that short start his true potential when he is supported by a strong defense. The Rays committed 94 errors in 2016, which contributed to Archer’s slumped season. While solidifying his argument for the Rays to keep him as part of their future, he also upped his trade value with evidence that he can round out a middle-of-the-road rotation.

"“My potential is much higher,” Archer said (per usatoday.com). “I’m capable of so much more.”"