That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: Five starting pitchers to add at the trade deadline

By George Stockburger

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 17: Alex Cobb #17 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards August 17, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 17: Alex Cobb #17 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards August 17, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 17: Alex Cobb #17 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards August 17, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 17: Alex Cobb #17 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards August 17, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Alex Cobb might be one of the more realistic trade options for the Phillies

A couple of years ago the Phillies were connected to free agent starter Alex Cobb, and that interest could peak again with him as a trade candidate.

Cobb established himself early on as a potential top of the line starter in Tampa Bay, winning 32 games with a 3.19 in his first three full big league seasons. Tommy John surgery, unfortunately, took his 2015 season and most of 2016, costing him valuable time and money.

Once he was healthy in 2017, Cobb put up impressive numbers once again with the Rays and set himself up for a big pay day. The Orioles gave him a four-year $57 million deal, but it largely hasn’t paid off.

Cobb had a 4.90 ERA and took 15 losses for a bad Orioles team in 2018, then injuries cost him most of the 2019 season.

Now healthy in 2020, Cobb has rebounded and put up strong numbers through six starts with a 3.73 ERA. His numbers aren’t at the top of any stat trackers, but he’s shown to be a reliable number three or four starter this year.

Cobb has a $15 million salary for the 2021 season, so that might hold up the Phillies from a financial standpoint. They still have to sign J.T. Realmuto and establish their shortstop position with Didi Gregorius on a one-year deal. Cobb would save them from dipping into the 2021 free agent pool, something they’ll have to evaluate as well at the trade deadline, it could cost them when it comes to keeping their own guys.

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