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Tampa Bay Rays: Chris Archer is finally coming home

By David Hill

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 27: Starting pitcher Chris Archer #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays works the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 27, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 27: Starting pitcher Chris Archer #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays works the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 27, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Chris Archer was one of the hottest players on the trade market in 2018. The Tampa Bay Rays ace was considered one of the top arms available, someone that could make a difference in the hunt for the postseason. Then, surprisingly, he ended up in Pittsburgh, where the Pirates were a return to the postseason.

After two and a half disastrous years in Pittsburgh, Archer is coming home. He has signed a one year deal with the Rays for a reported $6.5 million.

Chris Archer – the gift that keeps on giving for the Tampa Bay Rays

Archer had been a solid arm for Tampa Bay. He had flashes of brilliance leading to the hope that he could be a difference maker, as he posted a 3.69 ERA and a 1.230 WHiP over his 1063 innings, striking out 1146 batters while issuing only 347 walks.

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It was a different story in Pittsburgh. Archer no longer looked like that potential ace as he struggled to a 4.92 ERA and a 1.395 WHiP with the Pirates. He struck out 203 batters in his 172 innings, but also issued 73 walks and 33 homers. He then missed the 2020 season after undergoing thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in June, leading to Pittsburgh’s decision to decline his option for 2021.

To make matters worse, the Pirates gave up three players that appear destined to play a significant part in the Rays success going forward. Tyler Glasnow and Austin Meadows have already secured their places on the major league roster, while Shane Baz has become one of the top pitching prospects in the game.

Now Archer has returned. If the Rays are able to coax another solid year out of his arm and he can help bring Tampa Bay back to the postseason, that would just be the icing on the cake. As it is, they already have those three key pieces with Archer back in the fold. If it was possible for that trade to become even worse for the Pirates, it just did.

Next. Are we jumping to conclusions about the Rays?. dark

The Tampa Bay Rays have brought Chris Archer back on a one year deal. The former All Star is coming back home.

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