Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates swing for fences, acquire Rays ace Archer

Chris Archer works the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 27, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Pirates are all in.

The Bucs made their playoff intentions clear Tuesday with a bombshell trade, acquiring Tampa Bay ace right-hander Chris Archer.

Archer, a two-time All-Star, is 3-5 with a 4.31 ERA in 17 starts this season for the Rays. The 29-year-old gives the Pirates a significant jolt in experience in a rotation that includes three starters -- Jameson Taillon, Trevor Williams and Joe Musgrove -- 26 or younger.

RELATED STORY: Pirates get closer Keone Kela from Rangers for 2 prospects

The move is the second significant trade by the Pirates at the deadline. Pittsburgh acquired Texas Rangers closer Keone Kela in exchange for left-handed pitching prospect Taylor Hearn and a player to be named.

The Pirates, who have been reluctant to part with young prospects in recent years at the deadline, gave up a pair of promising talents.

Meadows, a first-round pick in the 2013 draft, hit .292 with five home runs and 13 RBIs in 49 for the Pirates after making his major-league debut on May 17. The 24-year-old Glasnow dominated as a starter in the minors but struggled as a starter during his first season-plus in Pittsburgh, going 2-7 with a 7.69 ERA in 15 games (13 starts) in 2017.

The Pirates moved Glasnow to the bullpen this season with better results. The 6-foot-8 right-hander is 1-2 with a 4.34 ERA in 34 appearances.

TRENDING NOW: