In 2018, the Yankees were shopping for a starting pitcher before July's trade deadline. The Yankees were interested in Archer, but the idea of trading within our own division was going to be tough but the Yankees still took a swing and struck out. At the time Archer was a nice prize, so I understood why the Yankees tried to get him. I wasn't heartbroken that we didn't get him though and now I am stoked that we didn't. He may be one of the best trades Brian Cashman never made!
Funny how baseball works out sometimes, huh? I bet the Pittsburgh Pirates wish they didn't trade for him now too. Last week the Pirates announced that Archer had surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome and will miss the 2020 season, if there is one. Who knows if there will be one at this point. So basically, Archer won't be back until 2021 and that point, his time with the Pirates may be done.
Archer has an $11 million club option for 2021 with a $250,000 buyout. The Pirates aren't expected to pick up the option because frankly....since leaving Tampa Bay Archer has been awful. In Tampa Bay he was an All-Star who finished fifth for the American League Cy Young Award. In Pittsburgh he tanked and finished 3-9 with a career worst 5.19 ERA in 23 starts for 2019. Yuck!
When 2021 comes around it will be interesting to see if he is able to regain any from for his 2018 self. Someone out there will take a chance on Archer if the Pirates do not pick up his option as expected. He could be a low-risk but high reward for some team out there....maybe. But a return back from this surgery will not be easy.
Remember Former Red Sox postseason pain-in-our butt Josh Beckett? He is a good example. This same surgery is eventually what ended his career.
And what about former New York Mets Ace Matt Harvey also known as The Dark Knight? His future may be dark but without the nickname. At 31 he is hoping for another opportunity to redeem himself after having the same surgery. After pitching for the Mets he played for the Los Angeles Angels last season and went 3-5 in 12 starts with a 7.09 ERA. The Angels tried the low-risk high reward idea and it didn't work out so well. He tanked, so I wonder if someone else will give him a shot this season. Last I read, he was drawing interest from Korean teams for a potential comeback in KBO. Sounds like his super agent Scott Boras isn't able to persuade an MLB team at this point.
Maybe Casey will finally get his wish and Harvey goes away! I know he'd like that.
Maybe Casey will finally get his wish and Harvey goes away! I know he'd like that.
So who knows what will happen to Chris Archer. It will be interesting to watch, but it sure sounds like the Yankees dodged a bullet by not getting him after all so thank you, Cashman!
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