Pittsburgh Pirates: Three trade destinations for Chris Archer
Now that the Pittsburgh Pirates have officially started their rebuild, it is time to find a landing spot for Chris Archer.
With the trade of Starling Marte, it is official – the Pittsburgh Pirates are rebuilding. With a payroll of just over $43 million right now, it is not difficult to envision a rough season ahead. While the Pirates still have a few solid veterans on their roster, it is a matter of time before they too are gone, with the hopes that the bottom will fall out from under them in the standings.
One of those veterans is former All Star Chris Archer. He had been acquired in a surprising move at the trade deadline in 2018, as the Pirates were buyers with an eye towards last season. Archer was supposed to be the key – a solid top of the rotation arm that could pair with Jameson Taillon to lead Pittsburgh back to contention.
Instead, Archer has been a flop for the Pirates. Last season was particularly rough, as he battled his command and injury en route to a miserable 3-9 record, along with a 5.19 ERA and a 1.412 WHiP. In his 119.2 innings, Archer struck out 143 batters, but also issued 55 walks.
Even with those struggles, Archer could be an intriguing target for a team looking for help in the rotation. He is due just $9 million this season, with an $11 million team option for 2021. Should he be able to regain his form, and come close to being the type of pitcher he once was, Archer could be a bargain once again.
The Pittsburgh Pirates may not be able to recoup their prospect losses when it comes to Chris Archer, but it makes sense to put him back on the block. Here are some possible landing spots for the former All Star.
San Diego Padres
We know, we know – the San Diego Padres are seemingly involved in every trade offer. However, considering that they are looking to win now, a trade or two makes sense.
One of those deals could be with the Pittsburgh Pirates for Chris Archer. The Padres had been looking for a top of the rotation arm, a veteran pitcher that the younger members of the pitching staff could learn from. Archer, despite his struggles, has been through the battles and has seen what it takes to reach the postseason.
The Padres could be a ready made trade partner as well. With the Pirates having dealt Starling Marte, there is now a gaping hole in center. Considering that San Diego does have a surplus of outfielders, including former highly regarded prospect Manuel Margot, the Padres may be able to deal from a position of strength.
Likewise, for a rebuilding team like the Pirates, the Padres would be a solid trade partner. They have an impressive wave of pitching talent coming through the minors, which could easily entice Pittsburgh to make a deal. Even if Pittsburgh does not get the type of return they would want, the Pirates could get some intriguing pieces.
Chris Archer could rejuvenate his career with the San Diego Padres. Given their quest to add a top of the rotation arm, it may be worth the Pittsburgh Pirates time to make a call to the west coast.
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins were determined to land a top of the rotation arm this offseason. After striking out in every attempt, a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates could be the answer.
Minnesota does have a pair of top of the rotation arms in Jose Berrios and Jake Odorizzi, so Archer would not need to be an ace. In fact, he may well be better suited to being a second starter on a strong team, similar to how he was behind David Price during the beginning of his tenure with the Rays.
Archer would also provide Minnesota with the type of depth they need in the rotation. At this point, their fourth and fifth starters would be Rich Hill and Homer Bailey. When healthy, Hill has been excellent, but his ability to take the ball every fifth day has been an issue. He also had offseason elbow surgery that keep him out for the start of the season. Michael Pineda will also miss time at the start of the season due to a suspension for a banned supplement.
The Twins also have the type of prospects that could entice the Pirates. While they would not be likely to part ways with Brusdar Graterol, their top pitching prospect, Minnesota does have several intriguing pitching prospects. Given the suddenly more competitive AL Central, the Twins may need to make such a move.
It may not be the same return, but the Pittsburgh Pirates could receive enough to send Chris Archer to Minnesota. The pieces are certainly there for such a deal.
Toronto Blue Jays
As it stands, the Toronto Blue Jays may still be the fourth best team in the AL East. If they are to have any designs on contending in 2020, there is still work to be done.
While Hyun-Jin Ryu is a nice start to the rotation, the Blue Jays do not exactly have much else. Like Ryu, Matt Shoemaker has had injury concerns. Tanner Roark and Shun Yamaguchi are question marks. Chase Anderson? Trent Thornton? This is not the type of rotation that will do much in such a difficult division.
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And yet, the Blue Jays have signaled that they are approaching the end of the rebuild. Expectations are building for the club, and just making an improvement over 2019 may not be enough. Toronto wants to compete. Adding Chris Archer could be a step to that process.
Chances are, Archer alone would not be enough to put the Blue Jays in the postseason. However, Toronto has also been heavily involved in other trade rumors, even with their divisional rival Red Sox about David Price. Archer would not only cost less in salary, but he may even have less of a cost in terms of prospects.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates are starting their own rebuild. Sending Chris Archer to the Blue Jays, a team with similar hopes to the Pirates last year, could make sense.