Tampa Bay Rays trade of Chris Archer built current contender

At the 2018 MLB trade deadline, the Tampa Bay Rays traded longtime ace Chris Archer for two past top prospects Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow. There was some risk but these two young stars were ready for the challenge. 

Last year at the trade deadline, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer was traded to the Pirates for Tyler Glasnow, and Austin Meadows. I would like to take the time and give a big round of applause to the Rays. I mean wow… you really outdid yourself. The Rays are 14-5 to start the season and these two guys they acquired are a big reason for it.

Austin Meadows who was formerly a top prospect  is one of the hottest hitters in the MLB to this point. The 23-year-old is hitting an insane .364 with 6 HR and 17 RBI. In addition to that, he is slugging a fantastic .697 to start off his 2019 campaign. Sure these numbers are going to decline but Meadows should be a consistent threat at the plate for many years to come. It also helps that he has hit consistently well since his debut back in 2018.

Next is Tyler Glasnow, a former top prospect as well. He has had his ups and downs at only age 25. He has a career 4.89 ERA and has been moved to the bullpen in his short career but the 6’8 righty  seems to have finally figured it out as a starter. The talent was always there it was just a matter of putting it together. He is 4-0 with a sparkling 1.13 ERA in 4 games started. He also has 24k’s to go along with just 4 walks. Pitching coach Kyle Snyder has done a miraculous job with Glasnow and Blake Snell and really has made this rotation pitch to their full potential.

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The Rays have looked to these two talented young stars in Meadows and Glasnow to help take control of the A.L. East and they have played the part. While Archer is excelling through his 3 starts so far this season pitching to a nice 2.00 ERA, he is 30 years old and has had a rough past 3 years. He could very well bounce back in 2019 but the long-term success in this deal will be won by the Rays.

They were a 90 win club last season and have many returning young stars. They could very well battle for the A.L. East crown in 2019. I do not think the Rays could have asked for a better return for Chris Archer, these two guys have taken the league by storm. Teamed up with players like Snell, Kevin Kiermaier, and Tommy Pham.

There is more talent on the way with seven top 100 prospects, according to MLB.com. The Rays could very well be a team that find themselves playing in October for the next few seasons. And dare I say it go after a World Series ring in the near future. Yes, I am sure we will see a lot of ups and downs from these two young budding stars but for now, there seems to be nothing but excitement in Tampa Bay.