Is Chris Archer Returning to Tampa Bay?

Even with the recent signing of pitcher Michael Wacha, the Tampa Bay Rays may be looking for another pitcher to add to their starting rotation for 2021. One of the pitchers they are rumored to be looking at is former Rays pitcher, Chris Archer.

Chris Archer

A two-time All-Star prior to a 2018 trade which sent him to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Archer was the ace of the Rays. He held a 3.69 ERA in 7 seasons with the team. Archer was also a fan favorite during his time in Tampa.

But, following that trade, Archer has been nothing short of a disaster in Pittsburgh. His numbers have imploded upwards, with his ERA in two seasons in Pittsburgh, at 4.92.

Archer did not pitch in 2020, following Thoracic Outlet Syndrome surgery, a serious syndrome that has derailed previous pitching careers such as Matt Harvey’s and was non-tendered following the end of the season.

Potential Fit

Should Archer sign with the Rays, it would be likely for him to slot into the fifth spot in the rotation, currently projected to be Ryan Fleming.

The Rays could also choose to go in a different direction and sign a different free agent pitcher. These include pitchers like Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester or another former Ray in Jake Odorizzi.

Projections

Archer could be a good fit for a lot of teams, such as the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs or Texas Rangers. Additionally, Archer is projected to sign a 1 year, 5.5 million dollar contract according to ESPN.

Multiple rumors do say that Archer could potentially be reuniting in Tampa. Archer allows hard contact but can turn back to All Star form with Tampa.

Will he sign in Tampa? We’ll have to wait and see, so be sure to check back here for the latest.

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