As the MLB non-waiver trade deadline approaches, the starting pitching market has been relatively quiet other than a few minor moves.
The unquestioned biggest name that many thought could be available ahead of Tuesday’s 1 p.m. PT deadline was Tampa Bay Rays ace Chris Archer. Although, that has been the case in past years as well, and the Rays wound up holding on to him.
This year seemed different as the Rays welcomed offers for the 29-year-old, and many teams had reported interest, with the Los Angeles Dodgers being among them.
Ultimately, it was the Pittsburgh Pirates that landed Archer, according to Stephen Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
I’m told the Pirates have a deal in place to acquire Chris Archer.
— Stephen J. Nesbitt (@stephenjnesbitt) July 31, 2018
The Pirates are due to receive Austin Meadows, Tyler Glasnow and a third player in the deal, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times:
BREAKING: Under deal being finalized, #Rays trade Archer to #Pirates for Glasnow, Meadows and a still being decided 3rd piece
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 31, 2018
Archer is in the midst of one of his worst seasons as he is just 3-5 with a 4.31 ERA, 3.62 FIP and 1.39 WHIP in 17 starts with 102 strikeouts and 31 walks in 96 innings.
He is still believed to have elite stuff and is under club control for three more seasons after this one at a very reasonable price, so Pittsburgh is hoping that he can return to his All-Star form.
It is unclear how far into discussion the Dodgers got with the Rays to acquire Archer, although they seemed to be involved until the very end along with the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. They instead reportedly acquired Twins second baseman Brian Dozier, and could still be in discussions to acquire a reliever.
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