In a Rays rumors market with little starting pitching talent, Tampa Bay Rays’ starter Chris Archer stands out as one of the top options. Though his numbers are down, he’s arguably the top arm available this summer.
The Rays’ should trade Chris Archer, and based on Rays rumors, they have plenty of interest. Will they, though? That’s a different story.
Interest for the 29-year-old Archer is certainly there, as multiple teams have inquired about him as the trade deadline approaches.
It appears that three teams have shown the most interest in Archer, who is under contract till 2022; the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres.
All three clubs are on different trajectories.
The Yankees are eyeing the World Series’ this year, while Atlanta is producing its own version of New York’s “year ahead of schedule” rebuild. San Diego, though, is in the midst of its rebuild. Its farm is loaded, and adding Archer would give a boost to a pretty boring rotation.
As Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic put it, the Rays’ are in a difficult situation.
"“The Rays suspect Archer’s performance eventually will catch up to his peripherals,” Rosenthal said. “Their fear is if they trade him, he might benefit from a new voice, a tweak here or there, and turn into the pitcher they envision. Still, there also is risk in keeping Archer — risk of injury, risk of decline…Still, these decisions never are easy. The player you trade might haunt you. The players you acquire might bust.”"
The Rays are right for being hesitant about an Archer-deal. Will they get the right return for him? Will he blossom if traded, or even worse, dealt to the Yankees?
These are questions that management must fret over. For now, lets take a look at what a potential deal might look like.