Alex Cobb’s progression through Tampa Bay highlights the organization's talent for spotting and developing overlooked pitching prospects. Drafted in the fourth round of 2006 out of Vero Beach High School, he carefully developed his skills over five minor-league seasons before making a nine-start stint in 2011. Demonstrating he could compete against major-league hitters with composure, Cobb secured a permanent spot in Joe Madden's starting rotation by early 2012, paving the way for a sustained, effective presence as a top pitcher in the American League East.
Cobb proved his status as a key player by recording 11 wins in 2012, a feat he matched in a standout 2013 season. Using a high-spin sinker and a deadly changeup, he completely shut down opposing batters, posting a career-low 2.76 ERA—the best single-season ERA of his major-league career. He continued this excellence in 2014, making 27 starts and going 10–9 with an impressive 2.87 ERA. Although his total wins were affected by limited run support, advanced stats highlighted his dominance, ranking sixth in ERA and tenth in WHIP (1.136) in the American League, showing he could consistently compete with division’s top pitchers.
Just as Cobb positioned himself as a key player, he faced a major setback in Spring Training before the 2015 season. An ulnar collateral ligament tear mandated Tommy John surgery, ending his 2015 season entirely and restricting him to a short, five-start rehabilitation appearance late in 2016.
Displaying remarkable competitive determination, Cobb made a highly successful comeback in the 2017 season by completely changing his pitching approach. He reduced some of his pre-surgery velocity and depended heavily on a new, sharp split-finger fastball to keep hitters off-balance. The change proved very effective; Cobb became the reliable workhorse of the team, pitching a career-high 179.1 innings over 29 starts and ending with a 12–10 record and a 3.66 ERA. This resilient performance also marked the end of his time in St. Petersburg, as the small-market front office allowed him to explore free agency that winter, leading to a four-year contract with division rivals, the Baltimore Orioles.
With Tampa, Cobb went 48-35 over 700 innings and had an ERA of 3.50 with 570 strikeouts.
Comments powered by CComment