Winning the trade deadline isn’t the goal. Getting deep into the playoffs is the goal. Alex Anthopoulos now has set up his team with the chance to do both.
While there are multiple teams still involved in the chase for Chris Archer, the Atlanta Braves are the one club most well-positioned to complete this deal.
That is: if they want to do so.
In recent hours, rumblings I’m hearing include the following (all of this via MLB/XM Radio; so regrettably, no source links are available):
- Padres: Rays not terribly interested in their prospects (Jim Bowden)
- Yankees: Rays not impressed with the command that Justus Sheffield offers (Bowden)
- Brewers: were not willing to give up enough to get Brian Dozier (hence they’re Moustakas-led game of infield Twister), so how do they give up enough to get Archer? (Dan O’Dowd, though he still believes Brewers are a great fit)
archer has routinely been on block for years. but as he said this time it feels different. plus, folks in the rays org seem to suggest it has a good chance of happening. padres seen as favorites. brewers, braves, pirates, dodgers, yankees (tho they seem set now w/ happ/lynn)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2018
UPDATE from MLBTR: The Brewers are pursuing Gio Gonzalez from the Nationals… that sounds a lot like they are ‘out’ on Archer.
We will use this post as a clearinghouse for comments and news about the days’ event leading up to the 4pm EDT non-waiver trade deadline. Feel free to post your own thoughts, scenarios, and comments below!
The Competitors
Depending on who you subscribe to, that leaves the Dodgers, Cubs, Pirates and Braves among the leading contenders…and really… that seems to leave the Braves more-or-less standing alone.
There may be a couple of other pitchers dealt today – maybe Ervin Santana, mayne Zack Wheeler (not likely), maybe Mike Minor. But Archer is clearly the remaining prize.
Archer is not an ‘ace’. This isn’t a ‘break the bank’ guy like Jacob deGrom would be. But he’s close, due to past performance, durability, and team control (through 2021 via contract options).
Alex Anthopoulos has done an almost miraculous thing already in getting two relievers and Adam Duvall while giving up no Top 30 prospects. He has the means, the motive, and the opportunity right in front of him.
So now he can make the deal. And he should.
You’ve got Folty and Newcomb – true. But beyond that, though, you have…
- Anibal Sanchez. He is pitching marvelously, but you have to wonder when his season turns into a pumpkin.
- Julio Teheran. Flip a coin. If heads, he’s good. If not…
- Max Fried. Or Kolby Allard. Or Luiz Gohara.
In other words, you don’t have any experienced depth for a post-season series. You need a veteran like Archer who has pitched in an AL East crucible virtually year-round for multiple seasons.
Yes – Archer has been better in prior years. Yes, he’s almost 30 years old. But he’s been there and done that.
But now with all other priorities taken care of, this is the last remaining thing… with all the cards still firmly in hand.
Price Guessing
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The Atlanta Braves should do what is necessary to secure Archer.
What will he cost? Probably one each from Columns A, B, C, and D:
- Column A: Fried, Gohara
- Column B: Wright, Anderson
- Column C: Travis Demeritte, Dustin Peterson
- Column D: Rio Ruiz, wild card
That – or something akin to that – is an acceptable price. Acceptable for what Archer delivers and what he should continue to deliver for up to 3 more seasons.
We speak of the pitching prospects in the Braves’ system, yet there isn’t room for all… we know this. Even if all given up become studs, there’s more studs still in the system. The odds suggest that none will pan out as well as Archer regardless. Even if that happens, you applaud the kid and still be happy with what you’ve got… which is proven performance.
Should Atlanta hold out for a deGrom? They could. That’s not nearly a sure thing, though, for (a) the Mets might not move him, and (b) the Braves might not (probably won’t?) get him, given a lot of extra competition at years’ end.
Meanwhile, there’s an opportunity within reach – right here, and right now.
Do it, Alex: you have our blessing.