Earlier this morning, Jerry Crasnick reported that trade talks were “intensifying” for Rays pitcher Chris Archer. Tampa Bay’s asking price is said to be quite high since he won’t become a free agent until 2022. The Padres and Rays have supposedly made progress in their discussions, but the Yankees and Dodgers are among the teams trying to make a deal for Archer as well.
Archer, 29, isn’t putting together the best year of his career. Through 96 innings, he owns a 4.31 ERA and his strikeouts have dipped from last year’s high of 11.