Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly discussed Chris Archer trade, could cost Eloy Jimenez
The Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly discussed a trade for starting pitcher Chris Archer. Landing Archer may cost the Cubs top prospect Eloy Jimenez.
MLB insider Jeff Passan was on 670 The Score on Monday and dropped this little nugget regarding the Chicago Cubs and their chase for a starting pitcher in the trade market.
.@JeffPassan: #Cubs have had talks w/ Rays in past regarding Chris Archer. He's a logical fit, but Cubs would have to part w/ Eloy Jimenez.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) June 19, 2017
With injuries and ineffective starting pitchers piling up, the Cubs need to make a move for a starting pitcher prior to the July 31st MLB Trade Deadline. Honestly, the sooner that they can make such a move, the better and Chris Archer has always been a guy who has made a ton of sense.
Archer is pitching as strong as ever this season, posting an impressive 2.88 FIP, 30.1% strikeout rate and a 7.6% walk rate, according to Fangraphs. Archer may not be a bonafide ace, but he is an elite-level number two and would look fantastic in the Cubs’ 2017 rotation. A playoff rotation of Jon Lester, Chris Archer, Kyle Hendricks and Jake Arrieta would be downright nasty.
On top of his obvious value to the 2017 Cubs, Archer would drastically help this team in the long run. Both Arrieta and John Lackey are set to hit free agency after the 2017 season, leaving Lester and Hendricks as the only obvious starting pitchers for the Cubs in 2018 and beyond. Archer is under extremely reasonable team control through the 2021 season.
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The Cubs and many other teams would love to get their hands on Archer. However, with his rock solid performance and incredible contract, it will not be cheap.
What’s the cost?
Passan says the Cubs will have to part with top prospect Eloy Jimenez. Jimenez is currently ranked as the eighth-best prospect by MLB.com and has a chance to be the top prospect in baseball to start next season.
A powerful outfield bat with a ton of raw upside, there is a lot to like about Jimenez’ game. The Cubs would obviously love to hold onto him but if trading him lands them Archer, the deal is probably worth the risk.
Jimenez is great but the prospect game is risky. The Chicago Cubs already have a ton of young, impact bats in the organization. Trading one to land a legitimate top-tier starting pitcher would be a smart play.
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Jimenez has a chance to be elite, but we already know that Archer is great. Plus, he fills a short and long-term hole on the roster. This is a move that would make a ton of sense for both sides.