Washington Nationals: Three Players The Nats Need To Sign
By Max Rayman
Chris Archer
The backbone of the Washington Nationals for the previous decade, their starting rotation is a shell of its former self. Patrick Corbin is coming off of the worst season of his career. Stephen Strasburg has thrown 26 2/3 innings over the past two seasons and is still working himself back into shape. Joe Ross is nowhere near returning from his own injury.
With the rotation in shambles and in need of depth, they have the opportunity to take a flier on bounce-back candidates. One pitcher in particular they should sign to a one-year prove-it deal is veteran Chris Archer.
In his nine-year career with the Rays, and Pirates, Archer is 61-81, with a 3.87 ERA, 1,370 strikeouts, and a 3.66 FIP. Once seen as the future of the Rays rotation, Chris Archer has struggled over the last few seasons. Last year he re-signed with the Rays, but only threw 19 1/3 innings due to injuries. He went 1-1 with a 4.66 ERA, 21 strikeouts, and a 4.26 FIP.
In the middle of a rebuild, Washington can afford to take a risk on Archer to see if he has anything left in the tank and if he does, they can flip him for prospects at the deadline.