Chicago Cubs Rumors: Chris Archer Could Be MLB Trade Deadline Target

The Chicago Cubs rumors are flying as the MLB trade deadline continues to draw closer. Theo Epstein has a lot of young talent available to trade and there are a few different needs that he could target. Obviously the bullpen needs a boost, but the Cubs could also look to acquire another starter as well.

If the Cubs decided to go the route of acquiring a starting pitcher, there is one name that has come up as a potential option.

Jason Parker of FanSided opined that Tampa Bay Rays’ starting pitcher Chris Archer could be a target. He has had a bit of a down season, but would still be a quality middle of the rotation pickup for the Cubs.

Throughout the 2016 MLB season thus far with the Rays, Archer has compiled a 4.68 ERA to go along with a 4-13 record and 2.78 K/BB ratio. Those numbers may not look good, but Tampa Bay hasn’t been a good team for many different reasons. Archer could turn things around by getting a change of scenery.

At 27-years-old, Archer still has a lot of control left on his contract moving forward. Chicago would likely be much more attracted to a young pitcher that has control than trading a lot of young talent for a veteran who would be a short-term rental.

Looking at the current Cubs rotation, there is a chance that they will be just fine if they don’t make a deal. That being said, it is better to be safe than sorry with a team that has a legitimate chance to win a World Series.

Jake Arrieta is one of the best pitchers in baseball, but has slowed down this season. He suffered through a rough patch ahead of the MLB All-Star break but is hoping that the time off will help him get back on track. Chicago won’t win a championship this season without him firing on all cylinders.

Outside of Arrieta, the Cubs have an excellent No. 2 option in Jon Lester. He has had a much better second season with the Cubs and has been very consistent for the most part. Jason Hammel, John Lackey, Kyle Hendricks and Adam Warren have all struggled with consistency this season, which could open the door for a trade.

Archer has played for the Rays throughout his entire major league career. Being traded could be exactly what he needs to work his way out of the rut that he has been in this season.

Joe Maddon has done wonders for players before and would likely be able to do the same for Archer. Adding in Chris Bosio, who is one of the most underrated pitching coaches in baseball, could help as well.

There is no telling what kind of return it would take to pry Archer away from the Rays. Chicago likely isn’t going to be offering a top-level talent like Kyle Schwarber or Javier Baez in a trade. They could, however, be willing to offer up a middle of the pack talent like Jorge Soler.

Chicago has been mentioned and linked to New York Yankees’ relief pitchers Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman. Both players would help fix the bullpen issues that the Cubs have and there could still be enough talent to acquire a starter like Archer.

Expect to hear plenty of rumors come out about the Cubs as the deadline draws closer. Archer is certainly an intriguing name and could be a very important pickup for Chicago. Other teams will have interest as well, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Epstein take a look at him.

Do you think the Chicago Cubs should look into acquiring Chris Archer? Should Chicago look to acquire another starting pitcher? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[AP Photo/Steve Nesius]