The Detroit Tigers rumors have not been as dramatic as years past, however, a few of them are starting to simmer a bit as Opening Day 2018 approaches. With several key free agents still looking for a home, and many teams looking to strike a trade deal before teams break for the regular season, are the Tigers on the verge of obtaining a much-needed starting pitcher?
Alex Cobb perfect fit
The Alex Cobb rumors are only getting stronger as Spring Training rolls on. Cobb is a man without a team, and that is very head scratching to baseball fans. Here is a kid who has a great record and ERA over his career, yet no organization has yet to make him an offer that he would agree to? While it is a bit strange, this could work to the Tigers advantage.
Cobb doesn’t want to hold out much longer. In fact, if he doesn’t sign with a team soon, he may not be ready to pitch until mid-April. The waiting game could only help a team interested in Cobb, like the Tigers per say, get him on a cheaper deal.
The way the Tigers have shelled out cash for players over the past decade, obtaining Cobb would be considered a bargain! Last season, Cobb made $4 million with the Tampa Bay Rays. While the 30-year-old is looking for a long-term deal, Detroit could probably sign the right-hander to a 3 or 4-year contract for $25-35 million.
Cobb could definitely strengthen the Tigers pitching staff, that’s for sure. Cobb has posted a 48-35 record in his six seasons with the Rays. That is pretty impressive, to say the least. He is in his prime and could possibly become Detroit’s No. 2 starter behind Michael Fulmer.
Brewers Junior Guerra an option?
If not a free agent signing how about a trade? According to a FanSided report, trading for Milwaukee starter Junior Guerra may not be out of the question.
Detroit has quite a few names vying for the fourth and fifth starting spot in the rotation, however, Guerra could bring more than just an experienced arm to the starters role.
Guerra could serve well for the Tigers as a long relief pitcher if need be, or even as a setup man. With the Tigers in total rebuild mode, obtaining Guerra has a lot more upside than down. With the Brewers most likely going with Chase Anderson, Zach Davies, and Jhoulys Chacin - not to mention Jimmy Nelson returning when healthy, Milwaukee has four or five others vying for the two final spots in their rotation - meaning they have plenty of options.
Yovani Gallardo, Brent Suter, Brandon Woodruff, Wade Miley, and Junior Guerra are all in competition for that final spot. Obviously, that means one or two of those guys will be the odd man out. If so, are the Tigers interested in dealing?