MLB free agency: Cubs, others pushing for Alex Cobb

The Cubs are pursuing free agent Alex Cobb to bolster their starting rotation, according to Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago. The news comes just days after the team signed free agent Tyler Chatwood to a three-year deal.

With Jake Arrieta and John Lackey in the free agent mix, the Cubs may need to grab another starter like Cobb, who has ties to the organization given his years playing under Cubs head coach Joe Maddon.

The 30-year-old Cobb pitched 179 ¹⁄₃ innings last season to a 3.66 ERA. It was his first full season back from Tommy John surgery.

Cobb holds a solid 3.50 career ERA, and is one of the top pitching free agents on the market. The Cubs would be forced to surrender their second-highest draft pick (63rd overall) should they sign Cobb.

The Yankees, who made a fairly large splash already today, are believed to be one of the Cubs’ major competitors for Cobb. Jon Heyman adds that the Yankees are indeed “eyeing” Cobb, along with the Orioles, Rangers and Blue Jays.