Baltimore Orioles: Alex Cobb contract getting worse every day

The Baltimore Orioles decision to sign Alex Cobb has looked worse each day.

Heading into the 2018 campaign, the Baltimore Orioles thought that they were going to contend. They kept their 2017 roster together, and attempted to add to their core by signing several veteran pitchers. None of those moves worked out, as the Orioles plummeted to the bottom of the standings, revamped their front office, and began to embrace the rebuilding process.

That decision to try to extend the window contention for another year is still causing issues for the Orioles. One of those signings, the decision to hand Alex Cobb a four year deal, has looked worse every outing, culminating with his season ending hip surgery.

When the Orioles signed Cobb to that four year deal worth $57 million, it raised a few eyebrows. He signed on March 21, as he had been unable to find a team willing to meet his asking price to that point, making it likely that Baltimore had overspent for his services. Cobb also had never made 30 major league appearances, and only had two seasons to that point with 150 innings pitched. Cobb had battled injuries, including Tommy Joh surgery which cost him most of 2015 and 2016.

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When healthy, Cobb had shown flashes that he could be a top of the rotation arm during his stint with the Rays. However, those moments have been few and far between for the Orioles, as his 5-15 record, along with a 4.90 ERA and a 1.411 WHiP over 152.1 innings last season showed. While Cobb issued only 43 walks, he struck out just 102 batters and served up 24 homers.

As mediocre as his numbers were in 2018, they were much better than his production this year. Before being sidelined, Cobb had allowed 16 runs, 15 earned, on 23 baserunners in his 12.1 innings. His hip issue may have had a large part in his struggles, but that contract has become an albatross.

At this point, all the Orioles can do is hope that Cobb manages to return healthy for the 2020 season. A strong start to that season could allow Baltimore to get out from a portion of that contract if a team is desperate enough for pitching depth. Otherwise, Cobb’s signing will only become more onerous with each passing day.

The Baltimore Orioles made a mistake by signing Alex Cobb. That contract just looks worse with every passing day.