MLB Trade Rumors: Rays will listen on Chris Archer, Alex Colome

The Rays are once again absent from the postseason, and the front office appears to be preparing for a major shakeup as ace Chris Archer and closer Alex Colome are reportedly hitting the trading block.

Archer, a two-time All-Star including this season, has consistently been at the center of trade rumors for over a year now, but a deal has never been reached. That could change at this year’s Winter Meetings as the Rays look to make some major changes after another disappointing finish in the regular season.

Archer has suffered through a brutal September, allowing 18 earned runs in 16 ²⁄₃ innings, elevating his ERA to 4.18. Archer turns 29 tomorrow and should have plenty left in the tank, but the Rays are open to dealing him despite being under contract through 2019, with a team option in 2020 and 2021.

Colome, an All-Star last season, currently leads all of baseball with 46 saves while posting a 3.15 ERA in 64 games.

There is no telling what the Rays’ pitching staff will look like next season, but Blake Snell, Nathan Eovaldi and Matt Andriese figure to be a part of the starting rotation. The future of Jake Odorizzi in Tampa Bay is also up in the air.