See, this is the thing about the ever-bandied-about “controllable starting pitchers”:Â every team wants them.
That’s why it’s really hard to actually put a deal together for them, and why trades for guys like, oh, I don’t know, let’s say … Jose Quintana, are extremely pricey. The value on having these pitchers in the fold – established, quality, inexpensive, not going anywhere – is so significant that teams from contenders to bottom-dwellers to everyone in between wants to have them.
Hence, this:
1. Lots of teams still asking about Archer, my biggest surprise was to hear #Pirates have inquired. Also #Braves, #Padres. Belief that #Brewers, #Athletics and #Yankees also have touched base, at minimum.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 30, 2018
There are definite sign Pirates are in on Archer (h/t @Joelsherman1) but they don’t appear to be in on Gausman, despite reports
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2018
The Pirates are within 7.0 games of the NL Central lead, and 4.0 games of the Wild Card, so sure, it kinda makes sense for them to go after some upgrades. But when you throw in the fact that this particular upgrade is also extremely cheaply controlled for the next few years, and then it makes a *ton* of sense for them to go after him.
Whether it’s the Pirates or one of the dozen other suitors (could also include the Cubs), there remains a persistently belief out there that now is as likely as ever that the Rays will actually consider moving Archer:
There is a much stronger belief Archer will go.#Rays recognize he turns 30 in Sept and this market lacks elite starters. This could be last, best chance to get strong return. Funny: Fla. teams lowest attendance, yet most eyeballs at the deadline.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 30, 2018
UPDATE: Yes, it kinda does sound like the Rays are more serious this time:
Hearing couple things out there regarding #Rays: A) That they've asked teams for final offers on Archer, and B} that Romo is being discussed by "lots of teams" More here https://t.co/iijR41MBBy
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 30, 2018
Final offers makes it seem like they’d really like to know if they can get something done. The teams Topkin mentions as possibly interested:Â The Braves, Cardinals, Dodgers, Padres, Yankees, A’s, Astros, Brewers, Phillies and Pirates.