MLB trade rumors: Trading for an ace
Player: Chris Archer — RHP (Starter)
Current team: Tampa Bay Rays
Teams in the mix: St. Louis Cardinals
2017 statistics: Win-Loss record: 10-12. ERA 4.07/WHIP: 1.26. 201.0 innings pitched. 249/60 strikeout to walk ratio.
Chances of being traded: Probable
Current front-runner: St. Louis Cardinals
After a less than stellar 2017 campaign — with an All-Star appearance somehow — Chris Archer looks to bounce back in 2018 after a subpart second-half. A change would do him good, hoping he embraces his inner Sheryl Crow. The Arch City would be a perfect fit for the hurler, where the Cardinals are in need of reinforcements for the departed Lance Lynn.
Now, with four years left on his contract, the Cardinals or any aspiring team would get him at a real bargain — only about $6.25 million in 2018, rising only to $8.25 million on his final year of the contract in 2021. He has the stuff and makeup of a true ace, and learning under veteran Adam Wainwright, would be a lethal 1-2 punch with Carlos Martinez, as well as the rising Luke Weaver.
There is a risk with Archer, who has shown signs of inconsistency, as well as sporting a losing record in his MLB career. However, he’s capable of catching lightning in a bottle and being a steal for the Cardinals, other MLB teams, or if he stays with the Rays.