Report: Padres making 'big push' for Rays' Archer

The San Diego Padres are reportedly making a "big push" to acquire Tampa Bay Rays ace Chris Archer, one rival executive told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Archer, 29, is under contract through 2021, and is owed up to $28 million over the next three seasons with a pair of team options. That could make him attractive to the Padres, who aren't in playoff contention this season but appear poised to improve over the next few years due to possessing the top farm system in baseball. However, Rosenthal noted - for a variety of reasons that include Tampa Bay's asking price - that a trade to San Diego is still a long shot.

Earlier on Tuesday, Rays manager Kevin Cash said he expects his team to be "very active" ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

"I know there's teams calling nonstop," Cash told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. "I'd bet Erik (Neander, GM) and Chaim (Bloom, senior VP) have not slept."

Earlier this month, heading out of the All-Star break, Archer was outspoken about wanting to play for a contender.

"I turn 30 in a couple months," the two-time All-Star told Topkin. "I want to play the game for 10 more years, but there's nothing guaranteed in life. I want to experience winning.''

Despite being known as one of the top pitchers in the game, Archer has regressed somewhat in 2018. Over 90 innings, the right-hander owns a 4.30 ERA, although his 3.50 FIP and 25.6 percent strikeout rate are both right around his career norms.