Chris Archer, Rays agree to extension

The Tampa Bay Rays and right-hander Chris Archer have agreed upon a six-year, $25.5 million contract extension today. The deal can reach up to eight-years and $43.75 million, with two option seasons. By retaining young players, especially young pitching, the Rays are able to contend for years to come. That is exactly how the Archer deal went down. 

With only 156 days of service time, Archer is looking for his first full season (about 25 or more starts) with the Rays. In 2013, the now 25 year old Archer finished third in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Last season, Archer went 9-7 with a 3.22 ERA and posted a 101 to 38 strikeout to walk ratio (2.66 K/BB) in 23 starts with the Rays (118 ERA+). 

"For any kid who's been told in life you can't do something in life, you can. I'm living proof of that," Archer said during the news conference to announce the deal.

Archer went to the Rays in the trade that sent Matt Garza to the Chicago Cubs in December of 2011. He has now become a viable part of the team's future plans for not only the rotation, but for the team overall. This deal will keep Archer under contract through 2019, and under team control through 2021. 

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