MLB Rumors: 3 Teams Interested in Signing Free-Agent Chris Archer
Chris Archer may not be as dominant as he once was but the veteran starter is still an above average pitcher who can help a number of teams in 2022. There was a ton of interest in his services before the MLB lockout and once things open up again expect to see Archer land on his feet with a new deal and outlook for next season. Let's take a look at three teams in the running to sign the 33-year-old:
St Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals see Archer as a potential fit for their back end of the rotation as either a fifth or sixth starter. He's likely going to sign a one-year deal that hovers around the $5-million mark and he'll certainly be as motivated as ever to bounce back in a big way in 2022. Archer has fallen off in recent years after a dominant first tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays and in 2021, he finished the season with a 1-1 record in five starts, to go along with a 4.66 ERA. Look for St Louis to inquire with Archer's reps after the lockout ends.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubbies are in the market for some depth to their rotation and see Archer as a potential fit. He's best of friends with newly signed Marcus Stroman and the two could certainly provide the clubhouse with some character for next season. Archer hasn't been the same since the wild trade that sent him to the Pittsburgh Pirates and there's certainly a level of risk involved considering he hardly pitched last season and not at all in 2020 due to thoracic outlet syndrome. Regardless, his track record speaks for itself and the Cubs will be interested on a one-year deal.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Jays know Archer very well from his time in their division and could see him as someone to push Ross Stripling and Nate Pearson for the fifth starter role. One concern Toronto may have is his ability to stay healthy and sustain consistency given the fact he was overused early on in his career and it appears to be catching up to him. It would only be a one-year deal and sometimes the low-risk high-reward type of signings go a long way. Look at Robbie Ray and Marcus Semien who both signed short-term deals in Toronto and it seemed to work out ok for them. Pitching coach Pete Walker would love to get Archer in the fold in 2022, and look for the Jays to be right there once they can talk to free agents after the lockout.
Photo credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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