Report: Braves showing interest in Archer, Quintana

The Atlanta Braves, who currently sit second in the National League East, have resurfaced in trade rumors involving two big names.

The club is interested in adding an elite starter to its rotation and has circled back to Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Chris Archer and Chicago White Sox southpaw Jose Quintana, according to David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Archer and Quintana pique the Braves' interest in large part due to their team-friendly contracts. Archer is owed a combined $18.9 million through 2019, then carries a $9-million team option in 2020 and an $11-million option in 2021.

Quintana, meanwhile, will earn $7 million this season and $8.85 million in 2018, followed by team options of $10.5 million in 2019 and $11.5 million in 2020.

The Braves showed interest in both starters this past offseason, but failed to meet the asking price from both teams.

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn confirmed the team would listen to offers involving any of its players, though it remains to be seen whether the Rays - a team currently two games over .500 and in the postseason conversation - would be willing to move their most valuable starter.

The Braves' rotation has been in desperate need of a quality arm, as several of their starters have struggled this year. The club's rotation has combined to a 4.87 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 5.02 FIP so far this season, among the league's worst in each category.