Chris Archer Signs With the Minnesota Twins

Chris Archer has signed with the Minnesota Twins. They have agreed to a one-year deal. The Twins have made several moves since the MLB lockout ended, but were still in need of another starting pitcher. Archer passed his physical and reported to the Twins’ camp on Monday afternoon.

The Deal

The deal is worth $3.5 million with a $10 million mutual option for 2023. The $3.5 million guarantee begins with base salary of $2.75 million for the 2022 season. There is a $750,000 buyout in 2023 if the Twins choose not to exercise their option. It was also reported that Archer could make up to $6 million in performance bonuses for the 2022 season.

Potential Rotation

He will join a rotation that includes Dylan Bundy, Sonny Gray, Bailey Ober and Joe Ryan. There was some uncertainty for the final spot with Lewis Thorpe being the possible candidate. However, it appears that Archer will be slotted in immediately after the Twins optioned Thorpe to Triple-A St Paul.

Last Season

Archer was with the Tampa Bay Rays last year and only appeared in six games. It was another lost season for him as injury issues continued to plague him. He made two appearances in April, but was put on the IL with forearm tightness. After returning in August, he only pitched 19 innings when hip tightness sent him back to the IL, thus ending his season. He also missed all of the 2020 season following surgery for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.

What He Provides

What he provides when healthy is the fact that he can eat a lot of innings. The two-time All-Star, who was once a frontline starter during a seven-year career had pitched more than 190 innings in four consecutive seasons from 2014 to 2017. He will also bring a lot of veteran leadership.

Must Stay Healthy

If Archer is going to have any success and get his performance bonus, he must be and stay healthy. He has been unavailable the past two seasons, but there is hope that with the time he has missed, his pitching arm is ready for a rebound. A healthy Archer would be a huge benefit for the Twins and even his confidence. Maybe he finally bounces back.

Main Photo:
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Players Mentioned:

Chris Archer, Dylan Bundy, Sonny Gray, Bailey Ober, Joe Ryan, Lewis Thorpe

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