Pittsburgh Pirates Need to Decline Chris Archer’s Option

Let me preface this with a few things. First off, Chris Archer is one of the best human beings in baseball. This makes him extremely easy for fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and around baseball, to root for.

Second, when Archer came to the Pittsburgh Pirates it looked like a strong trade for the Bucs. However, these things do not always work out. Archer’s tenure in Pittsburgh is, unfortuantely, a prime example of that.

Finally, not all of Archer’s struggles with the Pittsburgh Pirates are his fault. Yes, this has turned into one of the worst trades in franchise history. That said, a big factor in that has been injuries to Archer. Obviously this is something that is out of Archer’s control.

Had the 2020 season started on time, Archer would have been in the Pirate starting rotation. Due to COVID-19, this was not the case. Archer then wound up needing thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, which cost him the entire 2020 season.

By missing the entire season, Archer did not have the opportunity to rebuild his value. This eliminated any chance the Pittsburgh Pirates would have had to trade him, it also likely impacted their outlook on Archer.

When the Pirates acquired Archer in July 2018, part of the reason they paid such a hefty price was due to Archer being controlled through the 2021 season. Archer’s control for the 2021 season is dependent on a $11 million team option, an option the Pirates need to decline.

With the Pittsburgh Pirates, Arched owns a 4.92 ERA and a 4.72 FIP in 33 starts. In these 33 starts Archer has pitched 172 innings allowing, 33 home runs (1.73 HR/9), walking 9.7% of batters faced and striking out 27.0%. It goes without saying the home run ball has derailed Archer with the Pirates.

Injuries have also plagued Archer during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Pirates. After being traded to the Pirates in 2018, his season was cut short. In 2019, he spent time on the injured list and was limited to 23 starts. As we have covered, he then missed all of 2020.

Between his injury issues and struggles to perform, the Pirates need to decline Archer’s option this off-season. If the Bucs believe Archer can get healthy and contribute, it would not be a terrible idea to try and work out an incentive based 1-year deal with him for 2021, but in no world should the Pirates, or any team, pay Archer $11 million in 2021.