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The Cubs and Alex Cobb have been linked to each other since rumors started circulating months ago. But with the Winter Meetings starting Sunday, the Cubs look to finally ‘close’ their deal with Cobb, and fill out their rotation for 2017.
Here at the Winter Meetings The Cubs are hoping to close on Alex Cobb. Four other clubs with interest
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) December 10, 2017
Cubs seem focused on alex cobb for last rotation spot at present. Cobb and cubs pitching coach jim hickey are very close from TB. Among others eying cobb: rangers, yanks, jays, o’s. Popular with al east teams.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2017
As Jon Heyman from FanRag Sports points out, Cobb’s relationship with the Cubs new pitching coach Jim Hickey has made the difference in these negotiations. However, with Cobb seemingly getting lost during the Cubs pursuit of Shohei Ohtani, and other teams have slipped into the picture.
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According to Bruce Levine, there are four teams currently vying for Cobb’s services. One of the four is the Texas Rangers, according to a source, who are making a massive push to add the 30-year-old. One source went as far to say the ‘Rangers feel very confident’ in their chances with Cobb.
Sounds like the #Rangers feel real confident about their chances with Cobb. No word on how far talks have gone, but they are a serious threat to the #Cubs right now
— Sean Sears (@seanrsears) December 10, 2017
When asked how serious the talks had gone the source couldn’t say exactly, but he did say the Rangers and Cobb do have a meeting planned in the near future. Assuming the Cubs are still an option, they will likely meet with Cobb as well, but during the Winter Meetings things progress quickly.
While the fit with the Cubs makes a lot of sense for Cobb, the Rangers arguably need the veteran right-hander more than the Cubs and therefore could out-bid Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. The Cubs are still very much in on Cobb, but with other teams in the mix it’s hard to say they are still the favorites at this moment.
