Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Chris Archer (24) stands for a picture during media day at Pirate City. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
As soon as news of Chris Archer becoming a free agent was circulated, so were rumors of a return to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Social media was buzzing with the news of the Pittsburgh Pirates declining their $11 million option on Archer, and speculation as to where the ex-pitcher may end up. It came as no surprise that the Pirates preferred to pay a $250,000 buyout rather than stick with Archer.