Chris Archer’s days with the Tampa Bay Rays might be numbered.
The star pitcher is one of the juiciest names on the hot stove with Tuesday’s non-waiver trade deadline right around the corner. The New York Yankees reportedly are in the mix for the 29-year-old, but they’re not alone.
Here’s a list of the teams inquiring about Archer, per the New York Post’s Joel Sherman:
1. Lots of teams still asking about Archer, my biggest surprise was to hear #Pirates have inquired. Also #Braves, #Padres. Belief that #Brewers, #Athletics and #Yankees also have touched base, at minimum.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 30, 2018
If Archer ultimately is moved before the deadline, he has the ability to swing the balance of power in a pennant race.
And don’t be fooled by his recent struggles against American League East teams. These stats from Rotowire’s Jason Collette effectively prove Archer needs a change of scenery:
https://twitter.com/jasoncollette/status/1023267100574535680
Still just 29 years old, Archer is having a down season by his standards, but still is one of the most talented pitchers in Major League Baseball. In 17 starts this season, the North Carolina native is 3-5 with a 4.31 ERA to go along with 102 strikeouts and 31 walks.