Chris Archer and Mike Montgomery were both acquired by the Rays in similar fashions.
The Rays sent away an ace pitcher (in Matt Garza and James Shields) who had grown too expensive and was nearing free-agency, and acquired prospects for him. Montgomery used to be one of the games elite prospects, but stumbled once he reached the Triple-A level. The Rays acquired him back in 2012, and have stuck him in Durham the past two seasons with limited success. Following spring training this year, there was a need for an experienced starting pitcher, and that was filled by sending Monty to the Mariners for Erasmo Ramirez, who has recently turned into a solid starter.