The Minnesota Twins sit atop the AL Central despite shaky starting pithcing. Will they make a big leap and trade top prospects for Rays ace Chris Archer?
The Minnesota Twins continue to claim the first place spot in the American League Central halfway through the month of June. With the defending American League champion Cleveland Indians in the spot right behind them, the lead is not safe. The Twins could make a trade to bolster their rotation and spark the team down the stretch.
Their best option would be Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer, although he could cost the most. Archer is the ace of the Rays staff, and the Rays would need to fall off before the trade deadline to deal him, as they currently sit third in the American League East. The asking price could be steep if the Twins want to acquire him.
There is a steep price for another ace.
The Twins already have Ervin Santana, who has been a machine so far this season. They also have Jose Berrios who is an exciting young starter finally making his name known in the majors. They need another consistent starter. Archer could be that guy. This season he is 4-4 with a 3.80 ERA and 114 strikeouts in 14 starts.
More from Minnesota Twins News
- Minnesota Twins: Grading the Twins’ Joey Gallo signing
- Minnesota Twins: Grading the Christian Vazquez Signing
- Minnesota Twins: Twins jump into Top 5 in first MLB Draft Lottery
- Minnesota Twins: Byron Buxton wins 2022 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award
- Minnesota Twins: A Twins Homage to the Turkey of the Year Award
Archer is in his prime at age 28 and could help the Twins beyond this season. His contract runs through 2019 with team options for 2020 and 2021. With that kind of control and his production, he is worth a prized prospect or two. Nick Gordon, the number one Twins prospect, is not out of the question if Archer is made available.
Archer has the opportunity, if traded to Minnesota, to be their ace for years to come and can be a part of a young winning ball club. With Berrios coming along and the young star power of Miguel Sano, Max Kepler and Byron Buxton, the Twins could add another piece that still has prime years. While the shortstop position needs work, that can be fixed without keeping Gordon.
While Gordon is valuable, the Twins could gain a top-tier arm.
Nick Gordon is a future productive big leaguer. In Double-A this season, he is hitting .318 with 6 home runs, 41 runs batted in and five stolen bases. He has pop in his bat and speed on the bases. The Rays would be lucky to get him, along with other prospects, in exchange for Archer.
The Twins have Jorge Polanco who can bridge the shortstop role until number one pick Royce Lewis is ready in the next few years. Lewis has superstar potential and is still incredibly young. Gordon would not be as valuable as Chris Archer to the Twins right now, or in the future. While trading prospects is risky, this situation is a little different.
Archer would be under team control for a few years down the road and he is still fairly young. The shortstop position can be filled with another player who is major league ready. With pitching being the weak spot on the roster, it would be the smart thing to bring in a top of the line arm with some of years of club control attached.
Will it happen?
The trade would need some work. The Twins would surely have to give up more than just Nick Gordon. The Red Sox had to give up two top prospects, Yoan Moncada and Michael Kopech, to get Chris Sale from the White Sox. While Archer is no Chris Sale, the Twins would still have to give up multiple top prospects to reel him in.
Are the Twins willing to part with two prized prospects? Maybe, since Archer is not just a rental. Are the Rays willing to give up Archer? If they are out of the hunt and don’t give up both Alex Cobb and Jake Odorizzi, then there is a possibility. There would have to be the right package of prospects, however.
While this trade may not be imminent, it makes sense for the Twins to give up top prospect talent to go after Archer. He is in his prime, will be under team control and would help bolster a rotation that is the weak link on a strong ball club.
Next: Rapid Reaction to 2017 Twins Draft
There is not doubt if the Twins are still in the hunt at the deadline that they need to acquire a starter. Will it be Archer? We will just have to wait and see. We know the Indians can deal at the deadline to be successful. The Twins will need to, as well.