According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi on Twitter, the Atlanta Braves have talked to the Tampa Bay Rays about 28 year-old starting pitcher Chris Archer.
Braves GM John Coppolella has made it publicly clear that they will be going after starting pitching this offseason, saying they are aiming to add at least two arms to their rotation. They have started by contacting the Rays about 1-time All Star Chris Archer, who is signed to a relatively cheap contract for the next five years.
He is slated to make $4.75 million in 2017, $6.25 million in 2018, and $7.50 million in 2019. After that third year, he has $8.25 million options for 2020 and 2021, with $1.75 million buyouts each season. For a young healthy arm that puts up the numbers he does, that is certainly a team-friendly contract.
Other than losing the most games in the Major Leagues in 2016 by going 9-19, he had a pretty decent season. In 201.1 innings he posted a 4.02 ERA while striking out 233 batters and walking 67. His best season, though, was 2015 when he made his All-Star appearance and finished 5th in Cy Young voting. He went 12-13, and in 212 innings he struck out 252 batters, walked only 66, and pitched to a 3.23 ERA.
With his production and team-friendly contract, the Braves will surely not be the only team vying for his services this offseason. The Rays are sellers this winter, even entertaining offers for Evan Longoria, so it is logical to assume Archer will be on the move. Hopefully, though, not to a team in the NL East.
Photo By Brian Blanco (Getty Images)
