Washington Nationals: What if the Rays offer Chris Archer for Victor Robles?
By Tim Boyle
The Tampa Bay Rays are in the midst of a cost-cutting sale. What if, in this rebuilding phase, they offer ace Chris Archer to the Washington Nationals for top prospect Victor Robles?
Former Washington Nationals outfielder Steven Souza was one of the latest Tampa Bay Rays to leave Florida via trade. Souza will join the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018, ready to compete for a playoff spot in the desert. Consider him a winner this week. He has jumped more than coasts. He has also leaped up the standings.
The oft-rumored trade candidate Chris Archer hasn’t been so lucky. He’s anchoring an inexperienced yet highly-touted young rotation. It would seem inevitable that he is also traded at some point during this phase. What if it’s to the Washington Nationals?
The Nationals are in the market for another starting pitcher. We’ve heard the Jake Arrieta rumors. Everyone covering the team has also discussed the possible match between them and Lance Lynn or Alex Cobb.
Not mentioned too frequently this winter is the possibility of adding a starting pitcher via trade. Archer, one of the best pitchers on one of the worst teams, looks like one of the most available out there. For the second what-if you’ll read here today, let’s ask a big question:
What if the Tampa Bay Rays offered Chris Archer for Victor Robles?
The Untouchable Victor Robles
Victor Robles is nearly untouchable. The same is true for the Washington Nationals number two prospect, Juan Soto. I do think the Nationals would budge on Soto if they could land a player of Archer’s caliber. As for Robles, it’s less clear.
Archer’s numbers are not outstanding on their own. Consider the circumstance, such as pitching in the AL East and playing for a weak team; they look a little better.
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For two straight seasons, Archer has finished the year with an ERA slightly above 4.00. This, after three consecutive seasons between 3.22-3.33, looks far worse.
The more damning statistic for Archer over the past two seasons is the 100 ERA+ posted in 2016 and the slightly better 101 ERA+ in 2017. It would appear that Archer is only a slightly above average pitcher. Taking that into account, I have a tough time seeing the Nationals ship off such a fantastic prospect for a guy who would become their third starter at best.
What would make the Washington Nationals trade Victor Robles?
The only way the Washington Nationals trade Victor Robles is if there is a need on July 31st. Chris Archer, unfortunately, falls into the luxury category. The Nationals can’t open every season with a stellar rotation of five potential All-Stars.
Only a small handful of prospects could land Archer. Robles is one of the few I do believe could. However, trading Archer this soon after dealing away so many other notable names is not going to help their already limited fan base.
Next: Nationals should consider a late-season six-man rotation
The possibility of seeing Archer pitch for the Nationals in 2018 looks unlikely. That’s not the worst thing in the world. After all, Robles needs to stick around to replace Bryce Harper.