The Minnesota Twins have added another veteran arm to their roster, agreeing to terms with right-handed starting pitcher Chris Archer.
First reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the one-year deal is worth at least $3.5 million with incentives that could push its total value to $9.5 million. The deal also includes a $10 million mutual option for 2023.
Archer, 33, joins a potential rotation that includes Sonny Gray, Dylan Bundy, Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober. Archer accumulated a 4.66 ERA in just six appearances for the Tampa Rays last year, as he’s been hampered with injuries for several years now. Archer missed the entire 2020 season recovering from surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome, and dealt with nagging forearm and hip tightness in 2021.
Despite the recent struggles, Archer is a two-time All-Star and finished fifth in the American League Cy Young voting in 2015. He exceeded 115 innings every year between 2013-19, including three consecutive 200-inning seasons with the Rays. He also overlapped in Tampa for several seasons with Twins manager Rocco Baldelli.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the club outrighted left-handed pitcher Lewis Thorpe to AAA St. Paul Saints.