Do the Cardinals need to trade for a starter pitcher? As the season has drawn on, the Cardinals have relied heavily on the performance of their starters. Should they focus on some other areas in order to build a complete team? Or should they bolster their biggest strength? If they decide to go after a starter the name Chris Archer is certainly one to consider.
Easton Leonard on Twitter
Derrick Goold reports that the Cardinals talks with Tampa Bay were “centered on Chris Archer”, and that their interest in Alex Colome was “overstated.” #STLCards
This wouldn’t be the first time the Cardinals were linked to the Rays starter. He is an intriguing piece capable of huge strikeout numbers and the ability to eat innings. Over his career he seems to be on the unlucky side of things. His career ERA sits at 3.69, but his career FIP is 3.48. Even so, the Rays are trying to get everything they can for the 29 year old. He can become a free agent in 2020 but also has team options available for 20-21. With his team friendly contract, the Rays have the ability to push for more prospects.
Jerry Crasnick on Twitter
The #Rays trade talks on Chris Archer are “intensifying” as the deadline nears, sources say. Still hard to handicap if anyone will ante up with the return Tampa Bay wants. It’s a No. 1 starter type of price tag, and he’s under team control through 2021. Multiple teams involved.
Does this justify wanting enough pieces for a “No.1 type starter”. I don’t think so. He’s talented. Clearly. But I see him as a No.2 or 3 starter with potential. Let’s take a look at some of Archers stats compared to the Cardinals rotation.
ERA | WHIP | IP | K/9 | BB/9 | FIP
Miles Mikolas – 2.83 | 1.07 | 130.1 | 6.3 | 1.6 | 3.22
Carlos Martinez – 3.39 | 1.39 | 95.2 | 8.4 | 4.5 | 3.83
Luke Weaver – 4.7 | 1.38 | 113 | 8.2 | 3.3 | 4.21
Jack Flaherty – 3.28 | 1.12 | 85 | 11 | 3.2 | 4.04
Michael Wacha – 3.2 | 1.23 | 84.1 | 7.6 | 3.8 | 4.22
Chris Archer – 4.31 | 1.39 | 96 | 9.6 | 2.9 | 3.62
If you look at the differences between each players ERA and FIP you can see how some pitchers rely heavily on their defense behind them. Wacha has a FIP over a full run higher than his ERA so there may have been a bit of luck behind him before he went off the DL. It’s interesting to note that both Weaver and Archer have a lower FIP.
Archer has seen his strikeout numbers drop this year compared to his previous years. From 2015-17 Archer threw over 200 innings and had a K/9 of at least 10.4. I personally was pleasantly surprised to find his walk rate to be lower than all but Mikolas (who is currently 2nd in NL).
Derrick Goold on Twitter
At last check, #stlcards remain interested in Archer. They chased deal with #Rays this past winter; unsure how much that matters at this point except that #Cardinals have feel they can lineup competitive offer. Past talks w/ Tampa Bay tricky because teams value players similarly. https://t.co/VPx9CD4aFk
It’s clear that the Cardinals have interest in Archer. Many names have been thrown out as trade bait including Tyler O’Neill, Carson Kelly, and even Dakota Hudson. Personally that’s cutting it close for me. I’d be fine with trading Kelly with Knizner coming up through the ranks. And for a team that is looking for offense, moving O’Neill seems to be a conflict of interest given his offensive production in Memphis. Dakota Hudson is an intriguing piece moving forward for the Cardinals and has a high trade value, but more success in the Majors could be more intriguing for other teams. I’ve also seen Jose Martínez come up only because he could DH for Tampa Bay. I can see Martínez being moved but I don’t see him being the primary piece for Archer.
The Cardinals made numerous shakeups this past week and don’t look to be done. Could Chris Archer be in his way to St. Louis? Let me know your thoughts.
Aaron Mullins on Twitter
Simple again. Archer to the #STLCards #sharethis @ballparkbeef @CrashStL @11InningStretch @lbundy90 @GrumpyCardsFan @IvesBaseballSTL @therealseanbain @ArchCityMedia @birdsonabatshow @bschaeffer12 @C70 @Moz_Algorithm @frrobinson1957 @NWAHutch @Graham_Stl @zjgifford
Thanks for Reading
Aaron M.
