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With the trade deadline under an hour away, Chris Archer is still officially a member of the Tampa Bay Rays. However, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports that it is becoming very, very likely that Chris Archer is traded.
Hearing #Rays trade of Archer is becoming very, very likely, as high as “90 percent.” Only question now is where - #Braves, #Brewers, #Pirates have been most speculated. And there are always the #Dodgers
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 31, 2018
Archer is under contract through the 2021 season and will turn 30 later this year. He is having one of his worst years in the majors by ERA, a far cry from his fantastic 2015 campaign. But, Archer is still considered one of the top pitchers in the game, with a very team friendly contract that gives him immense value.
At this point, it is being reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates are the favorites to acquire Archer. Several other teams are still involved though.
#Pirates are in front for Archer with 52 minutes to go to deadline. Told that is way #Rays are leaning.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2018
The Rays have already completed two trades today, sending Wilson Ramos to the Philadelphia Phillies for a player to be named later or cash considerations, as well as acquiring Tommy Pham and international slot money from the St Louis Cardinals for a trio of prospects. Heading into today’s deadline, the Rays had traded away Matt Andriese, Nate Eovaldi, and Jonny Venters as well.
The Rays are under no pressure to deal Archer, so they will have to be overwhelmed to deal their ace of the past few seasons.
Poll
Which jersey will Archer be wearing tomorrow?
This poll is closed
-
10%
Braves
(15 votes) -
8%
Brewers
(12 votes) -
4%
Dodgers
(7 votes) -
48%
Pirates
(70 votes) -
14%
Rays
(21 votes) -
4%
Yankees
(7 votes) -
8%
Other
(12 votes)