The Tigers signed Alex Cobb to a one-year deal, sparking mixed reactions among fans about his potential impact on the team.
Detroit: So, the Tigers just inked Alex Cobb to a one-year, $15 million deal. Fans are feeling a bit uneasy about this being their big signing after making the playoffs. It’s a mixed bag of emotions, for sure.
But hey, there’s a chance Cobb still has some gas left in the tank. When you look at the free agent market, getting a pitcher for less is a win, right?
Let’s dive into who Cobb is, what the Tigers see in him, and how this affects his fantasy baseball outlook.
Now, how good is Alex Cobb? Well, he’s had his fair share of injuries. He hasn’t pitched 160 innings in a season since 2017 and missed almost all of 2024 due to hip surgery. That’s a lot of time on the sidelines for a 37-year-old.
He’s dealt with issues from his back to his shoulder, so it’s clear the Tigers aren’t expecting him to be an innings-eater. But here’s the thing: he threw 301 innings over two seasons with the Giants and had a solid 3.80 ERA. His ground ball rate was impressive too, sitting at 59.4%.
The Tigers have been creative with their pitchers, so if they manage Cobb’s innings well, he could be a valuable asset.
Now, can Cobb return to his previous form? Last season, he only pitched 22 innings with the Guardians, but he did show some promise. It’s a good sign that he was trusted with two playoff starts after missing so much time.
His velocity was back up to 2023 levels during those playoff games, which is encouraging. Plus, he was throwing above 94 MPH in his last regular season start, so it seems like he’s not losing his edge.
Interestingly, the Guardians helped him tweak his splitter, which is crucial for his game. They adjusted his arm angle, and it made a noticeable difference. His splitter’s effectiveness improved, which is a big deal for him.
So, how does Cobb fit into the Tigers’ plans? Last season, they relied heavily on just one starting pitcher, which isn’t sustainable. Now, Cobb joins Tarik Skubal and others as they build a more robust rotation.
With a solid rotation and depth behind him, Cobb should have a secure spot. Plus, Scott Harris, the Tigers’ President of Baseball Operations, knows Cobb well from their time together in San Francisco.
In conclusion, while Cobb might not be the flashiest pick, I wouldn’t be shocked if he throws around 130 innings this season with a decent ERA. He’s a solid target in early drafts, especially with his current ADP in the late 600s. If he can stay healthy, he could provide good value for fantasy teams.