The Pittsburgh Pirates Have Traded For Chris Archer

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The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to wheel and deal as the deadline quickly approaches. Late last night, they acquired Rangers closer Keone Kela and just moments ago, they traded for Tampa Bay Rays ace Chris Archer. Archer was a top five finisher for the American League Cy Young award in 2015, but hasn’t been the same guy over the last two and a half seasons. Since the start of the 2016 season, Archer has a 4.10 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP, which isn’t bad, but it isn’t Cy Young-worthy either.

But there’s one thing that you can count on — Archer’s numbers will improve in the National League after spending his entire career in the American League East. He’s also under contract through next year with a couple of contract options for 2020 and 2021. The Pirates are giving up a lot here, so they’re very clearly banking on Archer’s numbers returning to their 2015 form with the change in leagues. You also have to tip your cap to the Pirates for making deals prior to this deadline that not only help them make a run at the Wild Card this year, but also puts them in a position to be competitive over the next 2-3 years as well. Pirates fans deserve this kind of commitment to winning.

By the way, that’s AUSTIN Meadows. Not Aaron Meadows.