Chicago Cubs Rumors: Alex Cobb a Fit for Rotation
By David Hill
Alex Cobb has spoken highly of former Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon and pitching coach Jim Hickey. Naturally, Chicago Cubs rumors speculate that the team will pursue Cobb if he rejects his qualifying offer.
As free agency approaches, there are likely to be plenty of Chicago Cubs rumors about their starting rotation. While three spots are set, and locked in through 2020, both John Lackey and Jake Arrieta are free agents. The Cubs need to find help in order to continue their recent run of success.
Meanwhile, as the Cubs are looking for starters, an intriguing name could become available. Tampa Bay Rays starter Alex Cobb is a free agent this offseason. While he did receive a qualifying offer, it is considered likely that he declines the option. Cobb has also been outspoken about his support of former Rays manager Joe Maddon, as well as pitching coach Jim Hickey. As both are with the Cubs, it is easy to speculate about such a connection.
In his first full season back from Tommy John surgery, Cobb looked like the pitcher he had been earlier in his career. He posted a 12-10 record, along with a solid 3.66 ERA and a 1.221 WHiP. In his 179.1 innings, Cobb struck out 128 batters while issuing only 44 walks. His numbers were fairly much in line with his career marks, as he was healthy once again.
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Although Cobb would not solve the Cubs issues at the top of the rotation, he would be a more than serviceable piece as the fourth or fifth starter. With Jon Lester, Jose Quintanta, and Kyle Hendricks already in the rotation, Cobb would be a stellar piece to close out the pitching staff.
Cobb has also expressed a desire to win. Given the Cubs recent success, and their strong nucleus, it is likely that they will contend for the World Series for the next few years. With Maddon and Hickey as part of the coaching staff, the Cubs would seemingly check off each box that would matter to Cobb, at least as long as the money matches up.
Alex Cobb is sure to be one of the more sought after mid-tier options amongst starting pitchers in free agency. With their coaching staff and recent success, the Chicago Cubs may have the inside track to ink the free agent.