Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Right-handed pitcher Chris Archer has agreed to a short-term contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.
League sources told ESPN, The Athletic and MLB Media on Tuesday that Archer and the Rays are in agreement on a one-year, $6.5 million deal. The team has yet to confirm the signing, which is pending a physical.
With the move, Archer is returning to the club in which he made his professional debut with in 2012. He also enjoyed his greatest success with the Rays, earning two All-Star selections in the 2015 and 2017 seasons.
The 32-year-old Archer had been a disappointment since being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018. He posted a 6-12 record and 4.92 ERA in 33 starts for the Pirates, including a 3-9 mark and 5.19 ERA in 2019.
Archer didn't pitch for Pittsburgh in the 2020 campaign. He opted to undergo season-ending surgery on June 2 to relieve symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome.
The Pirates declined an $11 million option for the 2021 season, giving Archer a buyout of $250,000.
Archer has a 60-80 record and 3.86 ERA in 210 career starts and two relief appearances for the Pirates and Rays.
