Atlanta Braves rumored to have interest (again) in Chris Archer

Finally – a real rumor… but the obvious question will be this: are the Braves serious players?

According to a report from Rays beat writer Marc Topkin, the Atlanta Braves are among those who have shown interest in starting pitcher Chris Archer.

With the Yankees about to go from a playoff team to a ‘super team’, it seems that the time might be ripe for the Rays to finally go ahead and sell off their best assets – a move that had been slow-rolled over the last year or so.

Among those being mentioned in this context: Archer, 3B Evan Longoria, and closer Alex Colome.

Here’s what Topkin had to say specifically about Archer:

"The Rays also are getting a predictable high volume of interest in starting RHP Chris Archer, who is under control for four years at a very reasonable $34 million, with the Braves, Brewers and Twins joining the Cards, Cubs and others. As one competing exec said when asked how many teams were in on Archer, “Who wouldn’t be.”"

So that’s five named teams, “others”, plus … even more others, as this exec suggests. Not exactly a narrow field.

With the pitching market as it is, that does mean stiff competition in trade talks.

Clearly, the Braves have the resources to get this done if they should want to do so. The big question, of course, is just how strong that “interest” is at this point.

Alex Anthopoulos has been having meetings with everybody who knows anything about this organization that he’s now running. Defensive upgrades have been stressed. Roster construction sessions with Brian Snitker and Walt Weiss have been included.

A couple of points about Archer:

More from Tomahawk Take

AA has indicated that he might not be looking for the big splash quick while he continues to learn the organization. That suggests not being a big player for Archer.

If the Rays are indeed intent on moving him, then the time is ripe: he has 2 more full years of cheap control and 2 additional option years at bargain rates. At these prices, the only similar pitching deal available is… already on the Braves’ roster in the person of Julio Teheran. This, of course, suggests that everybody should be making an offer.

AA also has spoken of being ‘creative’ in team-building, which would include contract swaps, buying out a bad contract to get something else you really want, and the like.

Pursuing a frontline starter via trade makes much more sense than a free agent at this time – particularly if Atlanta has to eat a lot of money as part of an outfielder trade. Also, Qualifying Offer pitchers are right out, due to the draft pick loss already incurred.

However, a trade target like Archer would require a number of the Braves’ better/best prospects, and thus could derail other priorities.

Other Related Rumors of Interest

One team that may be open to trading right now for #Marlins third baseman Martin Prado, who played in less than 40 games in ‘17, is the #Braves Prado previously was with Atlanta. His presence could be a good fit for a young Braves squad.
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) December 12, 2017

That’s speculation, but it does pass the smell test.

While sentiment for #Marlins is to retain Yelich, that could create a tricky situation bc, like Stanton, Yelich has not played on a winning team in Miami. He’s an established player ready to win now, and may not be comfortable growing with young squad.
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) December 12, 2017

The reason for this tweet? Word is out that Yelich does not wish to stay with the Marlins as they tear down their team.

Meanwhile, I would not be surprised if Marcel Ozuna isn’t traded today, and to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Marlins could look like a AAA team by the end of the week.

Next: AA speaks... who's listening?

So with all that said… it’s still very early, though ‘Winter Meetings Tuesday’ is a good day for teams to start building momentum toward deals.

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