The Detroit Tigers have made a significant move to strengthen their pitching rotation, agreeing to a one-year, $15 million contract with right-handed pitcher Alex Cobb. The deal, announced on December 11, 2024, provides Cobb with the opportunity to earn up to $1 million in additional incentives if he reaches specific innings thresholds (140 and 150 innings pitched). This acquisition is part of the Tigers’ efforts to bolster their pitching staff as they look to build on a successful 2024 season.
Cobb, 37, brings valuable experience to a Tigers team that made a notable return to postseason baseball this year. Detroit’s appearance in the American League Wild Card marked their first postseason trip since 2014, and the team went on to sweep the Houston Astros in the opening round before being eliminated by the Cleveland Indians in the AL Division Series. Cobb’s addition is expected to further solidify their starting rotation for the 2025 season.
In 2024, Cobb had a limited appearance, pitching only three games due to injury. However, he was effective when healthy, finishing with a 2-1 record and a 2.76 ERA for the Cleveland Guardians. Cobb also made two postseason appearances for the Guardians, including starting Game 3 of the ALDS in Detroit. In that game, he allowed two runs on three hits over three innings during a 3-0 loss. Despite the defeat, his ability to perform in the postseason adds another layer of experience to the Tigers’ rotation.
The veteran right-hander’s 2023 season saw him make 28 starts for the San Francisco Giants, posting a 7-7 record with a 3.87 ERA. Cobb’s season was marred by a hip surgery in October, which caused him to miss the beginning of 2024. He was traded from the Giants to the Guardians in July, which limited his time on the mound that season. Nevertheless, Cobb’s career numbers show his consistency, with a 79-76 record and a 3.84 ERA across 233 starts over 13 seasons in the major leagues.
Throughout his career, Cobb has played for several teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Angels, before joining the Giants and later the Guardians. He was drafted by Tampa Bay in the fourth round of the 2006 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut in 2011. Cobb spent the first six seasons of his career with the Rays, gaining valuable experience in both starting and relief roles.
For the Tigers, Cobb will join a rotation that includes standout pitcher Tarik Skubal, the 2024 AL Cy Young Award winner. Skubal’s emergence as one of the league’s top pitchers last season will help anchor the Tigers’ rotation, with Cobb expected to provide a reliable veteran presence. The team is looking to continue its growth after a strong 2024 campaign, and Cobb’s experience will be crucial as they aim for another postseason run in 2025.
To make room for Cobb on their 40-man roster, the Tigers designated outfielder Akil Baddoo for assignment. Baddoo, who has shown flashes of promise during his time with Detroit, now faces an uncertain future with the team.
Overall, the Tigers’ signing of Alex Cobb provides them with an experienced arm that can help stabilize their rotation as they look to build on their recent success. Cobb’s ability to pitch effectively in both the regular season and postseason makes him a valuable addition to a team eager to continue its upward trajectory in the AL Central. If Cobb can stay healthy and perform at his usual level, he could play a key role in the Tigers’ efforts to contend for a playoff spot in 2025.