Seeking an upgrade for the front of their rotation, the Brewers recently circled back with the Rays to inquire on the availability of Chris Archer, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (Twitter link). A deal appears unlikely, though, Rosenthal adds, as Tampa Bay may not hold Domingo Santana or Brett Phillips in high enough regard to serve as a centerpiece.
After speaking with Rays GM Erik Neander, Archer recently expressed confidence to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times that he’d remain with the Rays to open the season. The Rays understandably have a huge asking price on Archer, who is on one of the more team-friendly contracts in all of baseball. Tampa Bay controls Archer $33.75MM over the next four seasons, and only the first two years are even guaranteed; his deal contains club options for the 2020 and 2021 campaigns. Archer is only guaranteed $15.5MM over the next two seasons, so in the event of a catastrophic injury, the team that controls him could cut ties and be off the hook without even needing to pay the entire $33.75MM sum remaining on his deal.
While Archer’s ERA over the past two seasons is a hair above 4.00, fielding-independent metrics like FIP (3.60), xFIP (3.38) and SIERA (3.47) all feel he’s been considerably better than his bottom-line run prevention would suggest. Archer has, after all, averaged 10.8 K/9 against 2.8 BB/9 with a 44.9 percent ground-ball rate in that span. He’s gotten in trouble with home runs at times — particularly in August and September of last season — but also possesses one of baseball’s best swinging-strike rates (12.8 percent) and lowest contact rates (72.5 percent) in that two-year stretch. Beyond that, he’s made 32 or more starts in each of the past four seasons, averaging 202 innings per year along the way.
It stands to reason that Tampa Bay would have interest in either Santana or Phillips on the surface, as each could potentially be a long-term cog in the outfield. But, while Santana is coming off a strong season (.875 OPS, 30 homers, 3.3 fWAR, 3.0 rWAR), he’s controllable for the same four-year term as Archer and figures to be compensated handsomely in arbitration if he continues to hit for this type of power.
Phillips has six years of control and is not far removed from ranking as one of MLB’s best overall prospects. (Baseball America still ranked him 80th this offseason, in fact.) However, he struck out at a 30 percent rate in Triple-A last year and a 35 percent pace in the Majors. His overall offensive output in Triple-A (.305/.377/.567) and in the Majors (.276/.351/.448) both look strong on the surface, but both were buoyed by a BABIP north of .400 that is assuredly due for regression.
Finding a slugging corner outfielder, especially in today’s game, and a strikeout-prone center fielder with speed and power isn’t as difficult as finding a durable, 200-inning arm who ranks among the game’s best swing-and-miss artists — especially when said pitcher can affordably sit near the top of a rotation from his age-29 through age-32 campaigns.
Certainly, the Brewers have other top-ranked talent that could be added to any theoretical package. In addition to Phillips, second baseman Keston Hiura, third baseman Lucas Erceg, and right-handers Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff have all placed on various top 100 rankings early in 2018, and their system possesses enviable depth beyond those top few names. Rosenthal, however, suggests that Milwaukee may be reluctant to further deplete its farm after parting with three of its better prospects in Lewis Brinson, Monte Harrison and Isan Diaz to acquire Christian Yeilch. (The team also punted its third-round pick and the associated slot money in the 2018 draft to sign Lorenzo Cain.)
The Brewers figure to be connected to just about every pitching upgrade on the market in the weeks leading up to Spring Training, having already made an offer to Yu Darvish while also showing various degrees of interest in fellow free agents Jake Arrieta and Alex Cobb. One would imagine they’ve checked in with the Royals on Danny Duffy and the Tigers on Michael Fulmer as well, given the rebuilding efforts taking place in Kansas City and Detroit, for instance.
E munchy
He’d kill it in the NL. Even if this move didn’t happen it’s cool the Brewers are giving their fans something to chew on
Signed Orioles fan
lowtalker1
Doubt it
bigkempin
Doubt it? Archer has a career 2.79 ERA, 1.078 WHIP, and 10.2 K/9 in 19 career interleague starts. Most pitchers do better when getting out of the AL….especially the East.
siddfinch1079
These aren’t getting annoying at all…
lord vincent
You are 100% correct! Another Oriole fan
RedFeather
Means nothing.. I’m sure you could say the same for any team.. Next headline in this terrible offseason- “Pirates contacted Angels on Trout”
Padres Armchair GM
But did the pirates go out and acquire a top FA and trade for a young superstar before calling for about trout?
Cause the brewers traded for yelich, signed cain, and are now seeking a TOR arm.
RedFeather
“Super star”??? Yelich is not a super star sorry bud. He’s a great player but nowhere near “super star” status.
minor league guy
yet…
MZ311
This has been a great offseason for us Yankee fans
firstbleed
Yeah because those Yelich and Cain rumors were all ‘smoke and mirrors’ according to lots of people on here. smh
Phattey
Please god let this happen
virginiascopist
Maybe Tampa would be interested in Santana or Phillips for Odorizzi.
brewpackbuckbadg
no!
ray_derek
quality pitching costs more than just one of those 2.
pdubs2907
I think the Crew could do Santana for Odorizzi straight up if they wanted. They’re worth about the same.
mp2891
A trade of Odo for Santana/Phillips would work for Tampa; although there may need to be an extra piece or two thrown in with Phillips.
Ungerdog
I doubt it…the rays have a glut of outfielders now, and in the immediate future. Unless a third team got involved, I don’t think they’ll go that route.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
As a White Sox and Cubs fan, I hope they get him. I’d love a good three-way race for the NL Central.
djtommyaces
White Sox are in the AL
iceman35pilot
You cannot be both a White Sox and Cubs fan. Pick one.
hc422
Please leave Chicago, you’re not a fan if you say you’re a fan of both teams. You’re a horrible person and should feel bad.
bigpapi4neverr
BOOOOOOOOOOOO
sportsfan101
Smh like someone saying I love the redsox and Yankees just no that’s not allowed. That’s just being able to cheer for the better team
Ry.the.Stunner
It’s nothing like that because the Cubs and White Sox are not directly competing with each other except for 6 games a year and IF they were to both make the World Series.
It’d be more like saying you love the Yankees and Mets.
iceman35pilot
Either way it doesn’t matter. You cannot be a fan of two teams. Ever.
Yankeepatriot
If they do acquire archer would Any of the other NL central teams be interested in the anti Chris archer destruction device known as ellsbury ? He is legit babe Ruth against archer for some reason lmaoo
chitown311
No thanks we’re good
Free Clay Zavada
lol, it never ends
brewcrew08
Lol the quicker Yankee fans are able to realize Ellsbury isn’t moving the better. No team in their right mind would would take him unless the Yankees eat like 55M of his 63M left and throw in a prospect
Yankeepatriot
It’s more false joe than anything else 🙁
Yankeepatriot
*hope
ayoitzmickeyy
How does it feel to know that your brewers won’t stand a chance in next years free agency
jesb0787
it makes me feel thankful they’re making moves this year. we have no business bidding for Harper or Machafo.
jesb0787
Or Machado, for that matter.
brewcrew08
If we get a controllable starter like Archer or Fulmer who would we need to “compete” for? Machado? Nah I’ll take the 30-100 from Shaw and 3 years of arbitration over 30M per for manny. Harper? I’ll take the 5 years at 58M for Yelich. I’ll enjoy watching the Yankees overpay for Machado then be in a tough spot when Sanchez/Judge come due. 30M per for Machado, Stanton and Judge? Good luck fielding a 25 man team for less than 250M
Rocket32
Yankees should do it just to get him off the roster. He should not be blocking Clint Frazier
arp7241
He’s not blocking Frazier? Brett Gardener is.
Ry.the.Stunner
Machado is a shortstop now, so Shaw in no way blocks him from joining the team. And you’re lying if you say you’d rather have Orlando Arcia over Machado.
augold5
The Brewers wouldn’t be able to pay Muchado the 35M a year he wants anyways. Also, as a small market team I would rather have Arcia at ~ 1M than Muchado at ~ 35M
Boi34
The anti archer player
walls17
Stop making all of us yankee fans here look like idiots. Thanks.
pro4pro32goathletics
Archer is only one guy, they need to be careful not to overpay for him.
raef715
has there ever been a guy that was two guys?
minor league guy
you ever watch mr. robot?
raef715
im going to say no to that one.
minor league guy
worth a watch
MilTown8888
Shohei Ohtani is kind of like a guy that’s 2 guys
thegreatcerealfamine
Dude hasn’t thrown one MLB pitch or had one MLB at bat yet so take it down quite a bit…
stevewpants
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
pdxbrewcrew
Seigfried & Roy
Marytown1
Brooks Kieschnick of the Brewers back in the early 2000’s. Come from the pen to pitch an inning, bat and than go to right field. It also appeared that he went to the parking lot after every game and downed a case of Blatz bottles with fans.
wscaddie56
Likely my favorite brewer ever. Those seasons were brutal but you could always rely on seeing kiesch make an appearance.
He was the living version of the brewers barrel man logo.
yankeesfan5891
That dude from Split was like 16 guys
arp7241
Some of those guys were gals
brewcrewer
He could field a whole team!
chisoxfan87
Two little people in a trench coat
balloonknots
Hello! It’s mlb when has team not over paid for a young cheap controlable pitcher with 200 inn 200 k proven track record?
You either over pay with prospects for the cheap or you over pay in dollars n years thru free agency. Pitching wins championships
Christopher Martin
I think the Rays saw what the Marlins got for Yelich and will ask for even more for the Brewers to pry away Archer: one or two of their top pitching prospects. I don’t know what Stearns might be thinking, but personally but I would be surprised if a trade came together . . . Stearns has so far been VERY protective of his pitching prospects, and he’s got Woodruff and Burnes right on the cusp (among others).
Drewnasty
The Rays would rather let him Archer toil in Tampa and finally trade him away when he is old and expensive for a much lesser package than to get less than to get their exact asking price. It’s so incredibly stupid when they are clearly tearing down and rebuilding.
mikeyst13
He’s not coming off his best season though. A big first half and his value could be even higher at the deadline. That may be why they’re still holding on to him.
Empire Exoticz
Yep, that’s what I think too. He is already 29.
balloonknots
What are the brewers options – over pay in dollars and years to sign one of the two front rotation proven options … neither seems to be hurry to sign there a hitter friendly park!
Or over pay in prospects but not dollars to the Rays. Hey it’s your ticket prices that will sway the team leadership one way or the other. I think they will go as far as that market can bear in increased revenue for a champion run.
Can’t blame the Rays for understanding the market and getting as much as they feel they deserve!
dangleswaggles
Clearly clearly?
jacobsigel1025
Ortiz Phillips and Hiura for Archer
brewcrew08
Anything more than that is an overpay and not worth it. Let the Rays sit on him and have his value decline.
Moonlight Grahamcracker
Let’s see the Brewers sit on their prospects and not make the playoffs again!!
Luckybrew
I agree that is more than enough he had 4 era not 3
SuperSinker
Try using something else to evaluate a pitcher
mp2891
You’re crazy dude. That package doesn’t even get a return phone call.
brewpackbuckbadg
That does not solve the Brewers outfield logjam. that Sterns put himself in.
brewcrew08
Moving Phillips and sending Broxton down does.
minor league guy
the logjam isnt as tight as it looks… phillips and broxton have options and braun will play a handful of games at 1B
augold5
As a Brewers fan, I would be ok with that. I really like Hiura, but its worth it to get a controllable TOR arm.
pdubs2907
As a Brewers fan, that’s not enough. He has a great contract. More like Santana/Burnes/Erceg/Phillips
augold5
I doubt rays would want both Santana and Phillips as they’re both ML ready and they have good OF depth. Burnes/Erceg and Ortiz/Huira are pretty comparable prospect packages. Maybe adding a prospect like Dubon/Peralta instead of Santana or Nottingham/Williams instead of Phillips would be a better deal.
mp2891
Try again
detroitmashers
I want to see Brett on a different team. I think he can be a solid player if given an everyday role
Dave 41
I never want to see Brett Phillips on a different team. His personality and style of play is something I never want to see leave Milwaukee
detroitmashers
Yeah but I don’t think he’ll really get a chance to play in Milwaukee. The Tigers will take him!
milbaybreckers
What’re the chances Marcus Stroman is available? and if so, what do you think the Jays would want in comparison to the Rays with Archer?
Yankeepatriot
I can’t even imagine the huge package stroman would get back unless you take tulo off their hands. Even then he’s still worth a lot
milbaybreckers
hmmm, can Tulo play 2b ?
Jack Taddy
Might be on to something here.. Though Toronto is clearly trying to compete this year, so trading their best starter probably won’t happen. Yet.
usafcop
@ Yankeepatriot….you said “huge package” haha
agn1
Jays would want all of the things. Even more of the things than for Donaldson. Not gonna happen.
brewcrew08
Not sure what “things” are.
agn1
Money, prospects, MLB assets, you name it. Prohibitively expensive.
C-Daddy
I’d say what the Marlins got for Yelich is similar to what Stroman would fetch in a trade. Stroman was worth 5.8 WAR last season and is controllable for three more seasons.
ray_derek
stroman isn’t getting moved
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
Their gonna need at least 4 more players. They won’t get him. Shame he can’t reject a trade there.
augold5
Why would he want to reject a trade to Milwaukee??
MilTown8888
Any player on a below-market contract with a no trade clause would make renegotiating their contract with the new team a condition of approving a trade
atlbraves2010
I dont think he has any no trade rights…Archer has really no say in what happens
augold5
I agree, but I don’t think thats what he meant lol
Tyler 20
Lol what? youre aware Archer signed the deal right? it wasnt like he was forced into it.
Android Dawesome
I think you answered your own question when you said Milwaukee instead of the Brewers.
augold5
Milwaukee is not a bad city to be in, in the summer, and its not like he has to worry about the cold at Miller Park. Whats so much better about Tampa?
Android Dawesome
There isn’t anything wrong with Wisconsin overall. Milwaukee on the other hand crime statistics support any one who might not want to live there.
milbaybreckers
so then why does anyone go to Chicago or Houston or anything other City that has bad crime statistics? with how much money these guys make, they’ll never steep for in an area that is remotely sketchy, let alone dangerous
frogger6
Milwaukee is a S– hole. ..and I’m FROM milwaukee.
having said that, he isn’t forced to actually live there. ..and we will have a good team the next few years
Jack Taddy
Milwaukee has some nasty areas. A millionaire 29-year old would never have to visit them though… Does Tampa really have 0 rough neighborhoods?
jdgoat
Why would you reject a trade to a team that’s going for it and has the best farm in their division? They’re going to be contenders for years
sandman12
All the Brewers have to do is send Yelich to the Rays – which wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
dynamite drop in monty
If you were to play in mlb games right now for one week, 7 days. 4 at bats a night. 28 total at bats. How many hits would you get
Kslaw
28…I would crowd the plate.
Cashford64
I would get at least 30 hits.
dynamite drop in monty
What a fascinating turn of events
brucewayne
None
sss847
wrong tree. go get Snell.
biogeek23
With trading Brinson and Diaz for Yelich, getting Archer, Fulmer or any other big piece pretty much means that the remaining pre trade top 10 prospects would probably need to go.
brewcrew08
Fulmer or Archer would not take 5-6 of the Brewers top 10 prospects. Come on now.
H.E. Pennypacker
Fulmer would likely require 3 of the Brewers’ top 10 prospects plus some filler. Archer is cheap, but Fulmer is dirt cheap, has more years of control and is better. His arm issue is not of the career worrying structural type and still pitched pretty well through it last year before he was shut down. He would require a massive return.
biogeek23
This was my thinking. So maybe the rest is a bit of a stretch, but usually a deal for either of them would have probably been Brinson, Diaz + a lower level piece or two. Pretty much what they gave up for Yelich. This makes it much more difficult..
For context, Fulmer is 5 years of control and Archer is 4. Both Sonny Gray and Chris Sale were traded for 3 years of control.
therealryan
Archer won’t take 6, but probably 4 of them including 3 of the top 4.
mp2891
It definitely would take 5-6 prospects. Brewers only have 1 top 50 prospect now, and he barely made the cut. I don’t mean to offend Brewers fans, but I don’t see the Brewers being able to land Archer. You just don’t have the type of superstar prospect it would take to land him, and the Rays aren’t going to trade Archer for a bunch of “guys.”
tomcmjoseph
Gotta give the Brewers credit, they are in it to win it.
bjberthiaume
Rays seem to like those Santana-type players. Could see a Santana/Odorizzi oriented trade working out.
firstbleed
Agree but I don’t think Stearns is looking at 2 year rental type players. He wants the current core to last the next 4-5+ years.
BlueJayFan1515
Good old Christian Yeilch.
GenoSeligPrieb
After the Yelich deal tore up our farm system, I wouldn’t trade for Archer or Fulmer (although Fulmer IS pretty awesome). Our payroll is still really low, so I’d prefer to sign a Cobb or a Darvish, plus a catcher, since I just don’t trust the 3-headed catching monster of PinaVogtBandy to stay productive
bjberthiaume
I keep thinking MIL should bring Lucroy back
biogeek23
At this point I don’t think that Lucroy would be that much of an upgrade over Vogt, Brandy or Pina or some combo there of. They’re cheaper anyway.
thecoffinnail
Completely agree.. Although I would like to see the Brewers chase Fulmer rather than Archer.. They are both going to be expensive but I think the Tigers match up better in the assets they are looking for and the Brewers would be more comfortable in giving up.. They are probably more willing to take on OF than the Rays since the Rays have relatively young players in Souza, Smith (plays LF but is also a solid CF) Kiermaier and Dickerson (full time DH but still capable of playing the corner OF) still a 2 or more years away from FA.. I just don’t see them in the market for any OF.. Santana would make a fine DH because his defense is bad to pretty bad in the OF so he probably doesn’t interest the Rays very much at all.. Phillips is exactly the type of player Detroit should be looking for.. I know his stats were elevated like the author stated due to a high BABIP but he has shown similar stats (minus the BABIP) in all levels of the minors.
IMO they should do as you suggested and just sign Darvish or Cobb, perhaps even Lynn.. I think Arrieta is still priced too high for the diminished stuff he has shown the last couple of years. He is also a bit older than both Darvish and Cobb.. I would suggest they offer Santana to the Red Sox though.. He is the exact player they are currently in need of and are currently trying to acquire.. I know the Sox don’t have much of a farm outside of Groome but they have several interesting BP arms..
I am still baffled by why the Brewers acquired both Yelich and Cain.. Phillips is ready for an everyday role in CF and Yelich carries a good portioin of his value in his contract.. The Brewers have several OF players (including Brinson) that are/would be playing at the league minimum.. I understand adding a veteran presence but adding 2 OF’s when they had so much talent ready for MLB is something I don’t get.. Maybe some of you Brewers fans can explain the decision to add both to me.. Please remember that I am not considered the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree when responding..
aloliver16
We can cherry pick stats all day, but the reality is, Chris Archer has been inconsistent the past two seasons. He hasn’t been dealt yet because the Rays are asking too much for a 29 year old pitcher who isn’t an ace. You’re not going to receive an ace-like return under those circumstances. Anyone who has Archer the last two years has seen a pitcher who has electric stuff, but gets burned on bad pitches in crucial situations.
It’s not the fielders fault, and Archer’s strikeouts aren’t happening when the Rays need them the most. The contract is good, but that doesn’t carry the day. It’s all about the results.
ray_derek
100% correct, Archer is good, but very inconstant.
bigpapi4neverr
Inconstant?
oldraybay
Last 3 years averaged 205 innings and 245 SO per year
raef715
was jose quintana an ace?
mlb1225
Doesn’t surprise me that The Rays don’t really want Santana or Phillips. They’ve already got locks in center and right with Kiermaier, and Souza, and will have Mallex Smith, and Denard Span to compete for the left field job. Plus they do have Corey (His last name will put my comment in moderation) who will probably DH, but can still play some corner outfield.
bigpapi4neverr
There is a double space between the 189th and 190th word. Please address.
Other than that, another fine article.
mlb1225
Doesn’t surprise me that The Rays don’t really want Santana or Phillips. They’ve already got locks in center and right with Kiermaier, and Souza, and will have Mallex Smith, and Denard Span to compete for the left field job. Plus they do have Corey (His last name will put my comment in moderation) who will probably DH, but can still play some corner outfield.
hojostache
True. He is cost-effective, on the right side of 30, and valuable.,,,the opposite of Ellsbury.
pdxbrewcrew
Huira and Burnes should be untouchable. Everybody else should be available for Archer. So much of this team is controllable for the next three to five years. Nelson three years. Anderson and Davies four years. Knebel four years. Pina, Shaw, Santana four years. Arcia and Broxton five years. Thames has two years and an option. Braun is signed for three years plus an option. Yelich has four and an option Cain is signed for five years.
That’s the starting lineup, minus second, four of the rotation and the closer all being around for at least three years if the team wants.
therealryan
Even if you indlude Huira and Burnes, you will need to add at least 2 other quality prospects. There is zero chance the Rays would trade Archer without at least one of those two being included.
Padres2019ha
a top 47(2b) and 75 prospect untouchable? Good God man
wscaddie56
I just can’t believe the level of tanking these teams are conducting, Santana was a top prospect and went out and fulfilled that last year. I’m expecting him to be a little better next year as he dipped in the middle of last year and was able to adjust. It shouldn’t take much more to get Archer.
Also, if Archer isn’t banging on the table to get outta Tampa and go to a young, winning team then I think I don’t want him anyway. Must not be much of a competitor, like say Yelich or Realmuto.
Backatitagain
Ridiculous theory, it would take three players better than Santana to get Archer.
Backatitagain
Braves may deal either Julio Teheran or Mike Foltynewicz for Kevin Hiura, Corbin Burnes and Brett Phillips.
augold5
3 top 100 prospects for a SP who struggled last year? That would be the starting offer for Archer/Fulmer. Teheran and Foltynewicz aren’t nearly as valuable
chound
Yep! That’s a bit (way too) much.
Backatitagain
Well Julio has a very friendly contract. He has averaged about 200 innings and 3 WAR for five years, 27 years old with three years of control at 10 AAV. Maybe Archer is better, IDK, Teheran has exceeded Archer’s WAR four out of five past years including the last two. They are pretty much the same pitcher. Wonder how you have evaluated that Archer or Fulmer is better?
Backatitagain
Wonder what top 100 you are looking at? Teheran’s WAR in 2017 was 33% higher than Archer’s.
GenoSeligPrieb
Sorry, Backtit (double-breasted suits?), but the days of the Brewers overpaying for Braves arms like Wes Obermueller are thankfully over. Broxton plus maybe a Rookie League arm, for a #3/4 SP like those 2 you mention, is more like it
tycobb016
The tanking is out of control. I’m surprised so many fans are good with it.
raef715
but it works.
Goose
The Brewers should have made that happen. That is a great contract for them and adding a true ace to that team would give them a good window.
Padres Armchair GM
Hiura, burnes, and dubron, kj harrison and ponce for archer
now go get fulmer too and offer woodruff, phillips, santana, ortiz, and peralta.
You can rebuild a farm in 3 years via good drafts and ifa spending.
Archer fulmer easily the best 1-2 in tgat division
brewscrew
I’m down. Their MLB roster is so young, we can afford to give up plenty for pitching. Especially unproven (at the major league level) prospects. I wouldn’t be mad either if they gave a bit more to the Rays for Archer and Odorizzi…though, I’d imagine that price tag would probably be too high.
oldraybay
The first two are a very good start, but why does every Brewers fan want to include Dubron in a deal?
ray_derek
I love Santana, but he is not enough to get Archer, amazing to me that Milwaukee is even considering moving him. They put themselves in that situation by trading for Yelich (love it) and signing Cain which i don’t love, I would have let Santana play yet. Now you have an unnecessary logjam. i don’t get what they’re doing, thought Stearns was doing a hell of a job on the rebuild, but think he’s striking a year, maybe 2 years early on these moves. Oh well, time will tell…good luck.
stymeedone
with windows only being 6 yrs til players leave, better to move early than late.
agunderman
I don’t think Milwaukee would have to necessarily give up Burnes or Hiura. I would say a package of Santana, Ray, Ortiz, Woodruff, and Nottingham would get the deal done.
pdxbrewcrew
Erceg instead of Ray and that’s a deal the Rays would have to think about.
ray_derek
agreed, Ray doesn’t hold much value after a brutal 2017. Maybe Trent Grisham instead.
oldraybay
Not any chance of Rays trading Archer if Burnes and/or Hiura not in the package.
Danthemilwfan
Woodruff is the only one of that extra group I’d give up. Pay Yu Darvish! Archer for Santana and a few low prospects or no deal. I don’t care that he used to be good. Same with Suppan, Lohse, Garza… his era is over 4 over the last 2 years. Pass!
mlb1225
Phillips and Ortiz for Fulmer.
SuperSinker
Lol
Luckybrew
I think Detroit is a better match with the Brewers than Tampa. I think Fulmer would come for less prospects. Also Cleveland would be a good trade partner they want OF’s and they have pitching and a top prospect catcher we could use.
wscaddie56
Could be what the rays want but that’s why he’s still there to me, nobody else in baseball feels that’s the correct valuation.
There were only 14 other outfielders that hit 30+ HRs, he had a higher OPS than about half of them. He’s under team control for 4 more years. Maybe Tampa likes their OFs but I think your evaluation of Santana is what’s ridiculous.
madmc44
Archer for Pomerantz and cash.. They have 2 years of Archer; Pomerantz one year to FA..
Pomerantz should be a good trade chip at the deadline being a lefty with playoff experience. He’s In a walk year and will have to pitch well for a big contract.
Sox need a R H starter. I have liked Archer–he’s better than Cobb ,very good WHIP career to date.
firstbleed
What did I just read?
gbp4ever
So a guy who has more years of control you would trade for a guy with less and would thus has LESS trade value have you been drinking? This trade makes no sense for TB.
MVP20
Lol
celtspatssoxsftw
Bring him to the Red Sox’s
gbp4ever
Trade for Jake Odorizzi will be a lot cheaper and would be a good #2 starter
mp2891
I love all these trade ideas. Brewers fans want arguably the best player of the Rays or Tigers, but they only want to give up low level prospects to get them. See the Quintana trade for the price of Fulmer and Archer (ie: a top 15 prospect and borderline top 50 prospect as headliners). You don’t like it, then don’t pay it (and frankly, the Brewers don’t have the prospects to pay it even if they wanted to). Sorry to be blunt, but a dose of reality needed to be added to this conversation.
gbp4ever
No team is going to give a top 15 and a top 50 in all of MLB for Archer. That likely means a team is giving up their #1 and probably #2 prospets up.
therealryan
The Cubs gave up their top 2 prospects 6 months ago for Quintana and their top prospect was a top 5 overall guy.
mp2891
That’s the cost, or a bunch of player that collectively add up to the value ascribed to those prospects. That being said, I think you’re right that the Rays probably don’t trade Archer in the offseason. And I don’t like the Brewers for an eventual trade. Still holding out hope for an Astros trade.
Lyman Bostock
What about Hader and Santana for Archer?
mp2891
Hader and Santana alone won’t get you Archer either, but there’s no denying they both carry some serious trade value. The bigger concern with that trade package is the fact that both have used up some of their cost controlled MLB years (with 2018 being another lost year from the Rays perspective, as the Rays are very unlikely to see the post-season this year, and they know that). Perhaps a 3 team trade would be the way to go, with a team like the Indians receiving the MLB pieces they desire, the Brewers receiving Archer and the Rays receiving something like Meja and 2-3 of Hiura, Burnes, Lutz, Phillips and KJ Harrison. Realistically though, the Brewers have a better shot landing Odorizzi or Colome from the Rays than Archer. I just don’t see the Rays trading Archer before the trade deadline at the absolute earliest.
Thomas James
I’m so over Archer. The Ray’s want the farm for this guy. He’s good don’t get me wrong and cheap but he has flaws that may not play in Miller Park. As a matter of fact so does Darvish. To me once I really compared available pitchers the stat that jumps out at me are home runs given up and Lance Lynn is the stingiest with very respectful stats in other categories. I truly believe his stuff will play better in Miller Park and at age thirty a couple of years younger then others. He’s a bulldog and I think he just fits Milwaukee.
Darvish is waiting for the Red Sea to be parted and others scare me for different reasons, while trading for someone is to costly. Lynn would be my choice and just makes more sense.
gbp4ever
Chris Archer is not worth the asking price. Give the Rays Santana and get Odorizzi back win win for both teams.