Milwaukee Brewers: Is now the time to move on Chris Archer?

The Milwaukee Brewers are doing very well this year, but they have been looking for an arm to sit atop their rotation. There are several prospects who can fit the bill, but not for a couple more years. To contend this year, a move may have to be made.

With the Tampa Bay Rays shipping Alex Colome and Denard Span off to Seattle, they are few pieces left for them. It is true that once their top pitching prospects return from Tommy John at some point next year, their rotation will be scary good. However, that is the case with or without Chris Archer. It might be time that the Milwaukee Brewers take advantage of a team ready to sell.

This idea has been beat to death by this site, but that is because Archer can really help Milwaukee. It is only the end of May, so there is still time for a lot to happen around the league. The Mariners made the deal to try and make up for the loss of Robinson Cano, but it still shows that the Rays look ready to sell.

Is Archer An Ace?

Honestly, no. There was one stretch of his potential ceiling for a few years between 2013 and 2015. Since then, he has somewhat fallen off the table. This year, he is finding even more struggles. That being said, his xFIP has never been above four in any year in the majors. He competes, and he is controllable.

Why Archer?

Though he might not be the true ace that everyone wants, that is not what the Milwaukee Brewers need. There are a lot of talented arms, like Freddy Peralta and Corbin Burnes, who can blossom into a top flight starter. Archer can just be another solid arm in the rotation in a year or two. What he can do in the meantime is act as the interim ace. Price tag depending, this could be a huge move for the future of the team.

The Future Of Brewers Starters

A starter would likely be dealt in a move for Archer. However, with Archer in the rotation it immediately looks better: Archer, Chase Anderson, Zach Davies, Jhoulys Chacin, Junior Guerra. The age of most of those guys means no one will be blocked from a rotation spot when they are ready.

Between Brandon Woodruff, Peralta, Burnes, Luis Ortiz, and even Brent Suter in a pinch, the Milwaukee Brewers have a solid potential rotation over the next several years. A move for Archer would only allow these arms more time to grow.

Is A Deal Possible?

Trading for Chris Archer might just be a pipe dream, but it is not a far fetched idea. Tampa is ready to rebuild, and they have been selling their talent. Even if you don’t buy this idea, there are plenty of other reasons that make Archer a smart move. But, honestly, as much as I advocate for the deal it might never happen. There is little chance of a reasonable price tag being agreed upon.

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This is baseball, and anything can happen. That is the beauty of the game. The trade deadline will be here before we know it, and expect the Archer rumors to start spreading. Odds are, the Milwaukee Brewers will be linked to him. Though, if you are a fan of the move, I recommend not getting your hopes up.