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The Rays will have their former ace back in Navy and Columbia Blue in 2021
Back to Tampa Bay.
— MLB (@MLB) February 2, 2021
RHP Chris Archer is reportedly in agreement with the Rays on a one-year deal, per @Ken_Rosenthal. pic.twitter.com/Wy89U6nOp6
Early details on the 1 year deal from Passan:
Right-hander Chris Archer and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a one-year, $6.5 million deal, pending physical, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 2, 2021
Archer, 32, returns to the organization where he debuted and found his greatest success.
The Rays have been on the hunt for somebody to fill their 3rd Starter spot, with somebody who can potentially give them 150 innings and solid veteran presence and leadership to go with the enviable youth depth waiting in the wings. For Rays fans, it’s the return of the former ace back to where he did his best work.
Archer underwent surgery to relieve symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome last June and did not pitch in 2020. The Pirates declined his $11 million option for 2021, paying him a $250K buyout instead.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 2, 2021
Here’s a totally new, not at all old photo of Chris Archer in his new uniform.
— Cut4 (@Cut4) February 2, 2021
(via @Ken_Rosenthal ) pic.twitter.com/dPMlbieUuS
Not to toot our own horn, but Archer was a popular option for offseason speculation at DRaysBay
nostraDRBamus pic.twitter.com/89DGZmt7xV
— DRaysBay (@draysbay) February 2, 2021
Sarah Langs with a fun bit of history to remember:
Chris Archer's most *recent* start for the Rays was July 27, 2018 at the Orioles
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) February 2, 2021
Starting lineups ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/LxhCezONsz
Also, it’s now definitive that the Rays won the trade:
2018
— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) February 2, 2021
Pirates trade Tyler Glasnow, Austin Meadows and Shane Baz to Rays for Chris Archer.
2018-20
Archer: 33 starts, 6-12 record, 4.92 ERA
Meadows: 2019 All Star
Glasnow: 34 starts, 12-7 record, 3.32 ERA
2021:
Free agent Chris Archer signs 1-year deal to return to Rays pic.twitter.com/D1RGItBu7u
Reactions
all jokes aside, baseball is a whole lot better with Chris Archer in it, and I hope he's able to be successful again.
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) February 2, 2021
It’s 2021 and Chris Archer plays for the Rays WHATTTT
— Amy (@amylucillee) February 2, 2021
CHRIS ARCHER WELCOME HOME BABY STRIPES FOR ARCHER LETS RIDE https://t.co/bkg1HKxzZb
— Briana Gonzalez (@bri_gonzalez3) February 2, 2021
I’ve little belief that he returns to his former best. But I’m absolutely hyped to see Archer back in a Rays uni. He’s a clubhouse leader, a competitor & a dog you absolutely want on your side in a fight. Welcome home Chris. Heavy use of FB/SL in an opener/bullpen day pls #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/eAtHksFyNh
— Joel (@JoelFourBases) February 2, 2021
Mood: pic.twitter.com/ylMn4wrEeT
— YOKED YANDY (@facksy11) February 2, 2021
I'm all for the timeline in which Archer makes the All-Star Game and their owning of the Pirates here gets to Scott's Tot's level of cringe. pic.twitter.com/pzGTbBgXy3
— Dan Szymborski (@DSzymborski) February 2, 2021
Well, this offseason just got a heck of a lot more interesting!
— Rays The Roof Network (@RaysTheRoofTB) February 2, 2021
Welcome back to the bay @ChrisArcher22!#RaysUp https://t.co/t69ymWuqMA
I saw yalls tweets. I appreciate the love
— Chris Archer (@ChrisArcher22) February 2, 2021
What is your reaction to this surprising reunion? Please share your reactions, predictions, expectations in the comments below!