Earlier this morning, Jerry Crasnick reported that trade talks were “intensifying” for Rays pitcher Chris Archer. Tampa Bay’s asking price is said to be quite high since he won’t become a free agent until 2022. The Padres and Rays have supposedly made progress in their discussions, but the Yankees and Dodgers are among the teams trying to make a deal for Archer as well.
Archer, 29, isn’t putting together the best year of his career. Through 96 innings, he owns a 4.31 ERA and his strikeouts have dipped from last year’s high of 11.15 K/9 down to 9.56 K/9. The right-hander also missed time this season with an abdominal strain.
It was all well and good for the Yankees to add J.A. Happ to the rotation, but the Yankees still need help in the starting pitching department. Archer would be a significant improvement over Sonny Gray, though at this point most pitchers would be. The Yankees have been hesitant to part with any of their top prospects, so the asking price for Archer may turn out to be too high.
If the Rays do get rid of Archer, they’d be left with ZERO starting pitchers in their rotation. That would really be something.
Do you think the Yankees should make a deal with the Rays? Let us know in the comments.