Phillies: Which free agent starting pitcher best fits the rebuild?

A history of injuries has limited Alex Cobb’s career with the Tampa Bay Rays to just 700 innings over seven years and 115 starts. A freak injury against Kansas City when Eric Hosmer lined a ball off Cobb’s head resulted in a mild concussion and a cut on his right ear.

Tommy John surgery forced him to miss all of 2015 and the majority of 2016 with just five dreadful starts. After reinventing himself going into the 2017 season Cobb set career highs in wins, innings pitched, and starts.

Despite his history of freak injuries, Cobb has excellent upside at the age of 30. He’s been heavily connected to his former manager Joe Maddon in Chicago, but reportedly turned down a three-year deal worth $42 million.

Philadelphia can certainly afford Cobb, who also turned down a one-year qualifying offer from Tampa Bay worth $17.1 million. It’ll be a deal similar to Lynn’s and slightly higher than what the Cubs offered.

Would Cobb want to go from a rebuilding team in Tampa Bay to another rebuild in Philadelphia? Chicago is certainly a better situation for him, and quality offers from the Brewers and Twins are likely.