The Detroit Tigers signed Starting Pitcher Alex Cobb to a one-year contract earlier today. Cobb’s 2024 season with the Cleveland Guardians was limited to three regular season starts after undergoing hip surgery in October 2023 and developing blister issues during his ramp-up last season. He was 2-1 with a 2.76 ERA during his abbreviated regular season. Cobb struggled in the MLB Playoffs though as he was 0-2 with a 7.94 ERA.
Cobb made his lone MLB All-Star Game in 2023 and his career has included stints with the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, and San Francisco Giants. He has a career record of 79-76 with a 3.84 ERA. Will the Detroit Tigers and Cobb have a successful season together?
What Will Cobb Bring To the Detroit Tigers?
Free-agent right-hander Alex Cobb in agreement with Tigers on one-year contract, sources tell @TheAthletic. Deal is pending a physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 9, 2024
The Detroit Tigers are coming off their first trip to the MLB Playoffs since 2014. They finished the regular season with an 86-76 record. After shocking the Houston Astros in the Wild Card Round, they lost to the Cleveland Guardians in the NLDS in five games. The pitching staff was a strength for Detroit in 2024, and Cobb will bolster that part of their ballclub. They were fourth in the league in ERA during the regular season, sixth in opposing batting average, and second in WHIP.
Detroit’s pitching success also translated to the postseason as they finished third in ERA and second in WHIP. Cobb joins reigning Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal on the pitching staff. Other Tigers pitchers include Kenta Maeda and Casey Mize.
Final Thoughts
Today’s signing by the Detroit Tigers illustrated they are not standing pat following their best season in a decade. Cobb, even at 37 years old, can provide the young team with veteran experience. Detroit is eyeing more pitching help at the MLB Winter Meetings which could mean moving Cobb to the bullpen. Regardless of his role with the Detroit Tigers in 2025, Cobb is a solid signing for a rapidly improving team.
