Should the Texas Rangers Go All-In on Chris Archer?

It’s obvious that the Texas Rangers are in win-now mode, and the biggest hole on the team right now is starting pitching. Could the team go all-in and put together a package of young players for Rays starter Chris Archer?

The off-season has been slow, but the Texas Rangers have made plenty of moves. They’ve added depth to both their starting rotation and bullpen at a low-cost. Is it time for the team to make a big move and acquire Tampa Bay Rays starter Chris Archer?

The Rangers are in needed of a frontline starter, as Cole Hamels is the only borderline ace on the organization. His best seasons are likely behind him, which means it’s time for the Rangers to look at the future.

Adding Archer could be exactly what the Rangers need to put them over-the-top in the American League. The 29-year-old Archer is a two-time All-Star and is under a cheap controllable contract that any organization would love to have.

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Archer was an All-Star last season, going 10-12 with a 4.07 ERA in 34 starts and 249 strikeouts. During his six seasons in Tampa, he’s 51-63 with a 3.63 ERA in 162 games (160 starts) and 1044 strikeouts.

He’s the kind of pitcher that you want at the top of your starting rotation. Do the Rangers have enough to swing a deal for Archer? They do, but it depends on whether or not GM Jon Daniels is willing to pay the price.

The Rangers will likely be looking at giving up outfielder Nomar Mazara and one of two more prospects. Another idea is a package of youngster Willie Calhoun and two or three other prospects attached with him.

These are just ideas, and no actually proposals have been made by the organizations. The Rangers farm system isn’t the strongest, so attaching a player with some experience is likely a must in any deal for Archer.

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It’d be surprising to see Jon Daniels pull the trigger on a deal like this, but it’s possible. He seems pleased with the talent they’ve brought in, but adding an arm like Archer for that cheap isn’t something that can happen in free agency.