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Baltimore Orioles should take chance on Chris Archer

By David Hill

Sep 11, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) throws during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) throws during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Orioles are not climbing out of their rebuilding process any time soon. While the major league roster has some pieces, the vast majority of the talent in the organization is in the minors. That is particularly noticeable with the starting rotation, where John Means is the de facto ace and Jordan Lyles is the most prominent free agent they have acquired in years.

This should not be the end of the Orioles’ attempts to improve the rotation and potentially their future. Lyles is the right type of deal, a one year contract that could be flipped at the trade deadline should he perform at a reasonable level. Those are the types of pitchers that Baltimore should be looking at, with Chris Archer another perfect fit.

Chris Archer worth a gamble for Baltimore Orioles

Archer’s career took a drastic turn for the worse after being traded to the Pirates. Instead of being the staff ace they hoped for, he was a complete disaster, posting a 4.92 ERA and a 1.395 WHiP over his 172 innings. He missed the entire 2020 season due to surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, leaving the Pirates to turn down their 2021 option and cut their losses.

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His return to Tampa Bay in 2021 was not much better. Archer made just six appearances as he missed most of the season due to forearm and hip issues. He was not exactly effective in his brief time on the mound, posting a 4.66 ERA and a 1.345 WHiP in his 19.1 innings.

A free agent once more, Archer has now become one of the more intriguing players on the market. He likely will not command a large deal, especially after his injury woes and struggles. Yet, his track record of success prior to his ill-fated trade to Pittsburgh, and continued strong strikeout numbers, make him an intriguing lottery ticket.

This is where the Orioles should step in. They need to find pitchers with upside for their rotation, especially as they wait for their younger arms to develop. Archer is the type of pitcher who, should he perform well over the first half of the season, could bring back a solid return at the trade deadline to help the rebuilding process. The best part, as far as Baltimore would be concerned, is that he would not cost much.

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The Baltimore Orioles need to find potential lottery tickets to fill out the rotation. Chris Archer would be a perfect fit for 2022.

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