Pittsburgh Pirates and the benefit of hindsight

Sometimes, a deal does not work out the way anyone hopes. The Pittsburgh Pirates may want a do-over in their trade for Chris Archer.

On paper, it was the right move to make. The Pittsburgh Pirates were looking ahead, aiming to contend in 2019. By adding Chris Archer, a pitcher considered to be a top of the rotation starter, the Pirates had to feel that their pitching staff had improved. Archer, when paired with the breakout Jameson Taillon, would theoretically give Pittsburgh that boost needed to contend.

Unfortunately, Archer has not been that pitcher. In his 15 games since being traded from the Rays, he has posted a 4.31 ERA and a 1.336 WHiP. In his 79.1 innings, Archer has struck out 89 batters, but has also issued 30 walks and 13 homers.

Meanwhile, the players that the Rays received for Archer have performed beyond expectations. Tyler Glasnow has developed into a top of the rotation starter in his own right, and may find himself in the All Star Game this season. Austin Meadows is currently injured, but had begun to establish himself as a viable power/speed player in the Rays lineup.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

Not only are those two post hype prospects living up to their potential, but the Rays also nabbed Shane Baz, who had been considered a top 100 prospect prior to 2018. The ninth ranked prospect in the Rays organization, Baz is certainly an intriguing arm with a five pitch mix, including a power fastball and cutter.

It is fair to wonder if either Glasnow or Meadows would have lived up to their potential with the Pirates. Meadows played well during his brief tenure in Pittsburgh, but was not given much of an opportunity. Glasnow, meanwhile, never lived up to the potential that made him a consensus top 50 prospect from 2013 through 2017.

Even if it took that change of scenery for both Meadows and Glasnow to blossom, the Pirates still have to wonder what could have been. Instead of spending that capital, and increasing their payrolls for Archer, they could have had a cost effective option in the rotation, along with one of the more exciting young outfielders in the game.

The Pittsburgh Pirates took a chance, trading two players that had not lived up to expectations for Chris Archer. It may be a deal they would want back now.