
After missing out on the playoffs by just a few games last season, the St. Louis Cardinals seem to be eyeing a piece that could put them over the top in 2018.
According to a report by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Sunday, the Cardinals are showing interest in right-hander Chris Archer, having had recent trade talks centered on him with his Tampa Bay Rays.
The two-time All-Star Archer went 10-12 last season with a 4.07 ERA and 249 strikeouts in 34 starts. He is under team control through the 2021 season.
The Cardinals may have few reliable righties besides Carlos Martinez next season — Adam Wainwright is aging, Michael Wacha is always an injury risk, and Lance Lynn is a free agent. Thus, there is good reason for them to fend off other interested National League parties for Archer’s services this winter.
H/T HardballTalk