Indians: Tribe missed out on not signing Chris Archer

The Cleveland Indians are looking for a fifth starter and may just look to the minors to fill the need but they could’ve had Chris Archer.

The Cleveland Indians are slowly, but eventually, filling holes this offseason. They’re buying short, hoping to get in on a good deal. They locked down Eddie Rosario for the 2021 season on a bargain contract, as well as bringing back Gold Glove second basemen Cesar Hernandez to once-again play second. There are still some positions up for grab, but none more intriguing than the fifth starter, which could’ve been given to Chris Archer.

The Indians have one of the best rotations in baseball, despite trading off Trevor Bauer, Corey Kluber, Mike Clevinger, and Carlos Carrasco in the last 18+ months. Not surprising, because before those players were used to replaced Daniel Salazar, Justin Masteron, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Scott Kazmir.

The Indians are good at getting pitching.

Yet, no team, even as good as the Indians are, can’t use more. Which is why it made sense to pursue the banged-up Archer. You see, Archer is coming off of major surgery to fix nerve issues. He could’ve been had at a bargain and the Indians passed on him.

Granted, maybe the Indians actually believe the pitchers they have are better than Archer and wanted to refrain from spending money on a guy who’s not a guarantee to even be a starter anymore.

That doesn’t mean they made the right call passing on Archer. While money is tight, the fact that the Rays are bringing him back on a one-year, $6.5 million deal gives you an idea that he could’ve been a solid addition and not cost the Indians much. Especially if you put in a rider in the contract that voids his deal if he doesn’t make it out of spring training as a member of the 25-man roster.

It’ll be interesting to see how Archer does going forward. The Rays may get a great outing of him, or he may not be even close to what he once was. Hopefully, it all works out for everyone. That Archer bounce back, the Rays do well with him and the Indians turn out didn’t need a free agent to come in to pitch from the five-spot in the rotation.

Hopefully.