Tigers' division rivals signing former All-Stars magnify Alex Cobb mistake

The Detroit Tigers got a major boost to their starting rotation when they reunited with Jack Flaherty on a two-year deal in free agency. But let's not allow that to redeem them for their first pitching signing of the offseason, which has already turned out about as poorly as anyone could have expected.

To beef up their starting rotation back in December, the Tigers apparently thought that 37-year-old (and practically retired) Alex Cobb was the answer. They signed him to a one-year, $15 million contract despite the fact that he had made just three starts in 2024 after undergoing left hip surgery.

As Tigers pitchers and catchers reported for spring training last week, it was revealed that Cobb would be sidelined for about a month with right hip inflammation, meaning he is unlikely to be ready by Detroit's March 27 season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Meanwhile, as a banged-up Cobb watches spring training from the sidelines at TigerTown, Detroit's American League Central division rivals have made some pitching improvements of their own — further magnifying the Tigers' mistake in signing Cobb.

Tigers News: Royals, Guardians sign former All-Star pitchers

The Cleveland Guardians inked former Baltimore Orioles All-Star John Means to a one-year deal with a 2026 club option. Means likely won't be available to the Guardians until after the All-Star break as he recovers from a second Tommy John procedure; but the deal carries a much lower risk than Cobb's, as he is only set to earn $1 million in 2025 and $7.5 million (including bonuses) in 2026.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals have signed veteran right-hander Ross Stripling to a minor league contract with an invite to participate in Major League spring training. While it's unlikely Stripling will crack the Royals' starting rotation, he provides depth to their pitching staff and has some experience pitching in relief during the postseason. He could be of value to the Royals as a swingman or a bulk reliever should he pan out.

At the very least, Means and Stripling are expected to be available to pitch for their clubs at some point in 2025 at minimal risk in terms of price. While Cobb has only been officially sidelined for about a month, given his injury history – last season alone, he suffered from shoulder fatigue and blisters on his pitching hand in addition to the hip issue – the outlook for him being a reliable contributor for the Tigers is pretty bleak.

Detroit could've either spent that $15 million (or more) more wisely, or they could've made a significantly smaller investment in pitchers of similar caliber.

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