Alex Cobb. Photo by Del Mecum/CSM/REX/Shutterstock After spending his entire professional baseball career with the Tampa Bay Rays, Alex Cobb figured he could use a change of setting. The 30-year-old pitcher agreed to a four year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, thus remaining in the same division. According to the sources, the deal is worth close to $60 million.“They used the AL East and the success I"ve had in it to their advantage,” – said Cobb about his decision. “They kept challenging me with it and I love the challenge of pitching in this division and they know that over the times we talked. They did a really good job of making me feel like this is where I need to be.“The Rays offered Cobb $17.4 million qualifying offer in November, but he turned them down in order to test free agency. Orioles were there right from the start and made a strong push in order to sign the player. The $60 million offer Cobb received is the highest one that the franchise has ever given to a free agent pitcher.“Alex Cobb, as we know, is a really good competitor, and he has an excellent track record, a proven track record against the American League East, which of course is the first order of business for the O"s.” – said Orioles" executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette. “He's got the presence to your pitching staff where he competes night in and night out and is a proven veteran starter. He gives us a little more leadership, a little more presence, and makes us all around a more competitive team.“Alex Cobb is joining Baltimore Orioles after one of the best seasons in his career. He went for 12-10 with a 3.66 ERA in 29 starts in 2017, posting a career high in wins, games started and innings pitched. He left the Rays ranking fifth in wins and second in ERA on franchise's all-time list.
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