Report: Twins made trade offer to Rays for Archer

The Minnesota Twins may not have landed one of their top targets in pitcher Yu Darvish - who reportedly agreed to a deal with the Chicago Cubs on Saturday - but they're not giving up on acquiring a top-tier starter just yet.

Minnesota is exploring trades with multiple teams and has targeted Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Chris Archer, according to the Star Tribune's La Velle E. Neal III, citing sources.

The Twins' front office apparently made a trade offer to the Rays as recently as two weeks ago, according to one of Neal's sources.

Tampa has reportedly shown interest in Twins outfielder Max Kepler as part of a return package.

Minnesota's search for a starter doesn't end on the trade market, as Neal also reports the Twins are looking at several free-agent pitchers.

The 29-year-old Archer, who has been the center of many trade rumors during the offseason, told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times in January that he felt "pretty good about being with the Rays in 2018," but things can change during what has been a unique and enigmatic offseason.

Archer is one of baseball's top strikeout pitchers, averaging just over 244 Ks per season over the last three years. He's an established ace, isn't eligible for free agency until 2020, and will make just over $6 million next season.

The Twins are going to be without their No. 1 from last season, Ervin Santana, for 10-to-12 weeks after he underwent surgery on the middle finger of his throwing hand. They've been on the lookout for a front-line starter for much of the offseason.

They've also been tied to free agents Lance Lynn, Alex Cobb, and Jaime Garcia, and have also shown reported interest in Archer's teammate Jake Odorizzi.