The Minnesota Twins have been looking for help in their rotation. Between being linked to different trade candidates and various free agents, it seemed as though the Twins would find a way to bring in yet another arm. They acquired Sonny Gray and signed Dylan Bundy, but it is still fair to imagine that they needed another piece to actually contend in the AL Central.
Suffice to say that the Twins agreed. They are taking a chance on Chris Archer, signing the former All Star to a one year deal worth $3.5 million with a chance to earn another $6 million in incentives.
Minnesota Twins taking chance on Chris Archer
There was a time when Archer was a solid middle of the rotation arm who flashed ace potential. However, that has not been the case since he was traded from the Rays back in 2018. He has battled injury and ineffectiveness since as he has become a shadow of the pitcher he once was.
It was hoped that a return to the Rays would change his career trajectory. Instead, he struggled through another injury plagued season, allowing 11 runs, ten earned, on 18 hits and eight walks in his 19.1 innings, striking out 23 batters.
But there is always a reason to hope. Such is the case with the Twins and Archer. If he can return to his previous form, he would be an instant upgrade for their rotation. Even if he can be a solid back of the rotation innings eater, that would still be more than what they had lined up.
Archer is going to need time to get back into game shape. The season is set to start in a few short days, and even with the shortened spring training, it would have made sense to be cautious with the former All Star. That is going to be the case now as the Twins will look to get something out of Archer in 2022.
The Minnesota Twins are taking a chance on Chris Archer. If he can return to form, he will be a bargain. But that is a very big ‘if.’