A recent conversation between Detroit Tigers right-hander Alex Cobb and Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press shed light on a pivotal moment in Cobb’s career: when he contemplated retirement following a challenging postseason outing. Cobb, a 13-year MLB veteran, returned to the postseason in 2024 for the first time since 2013.
His start didn’t go as planned for the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees. Quite possibly, it had to with Cobb pitching through hip tightness and back spasms. Following his start, Cobb was shut down with an acute left low back strain.
“Honestly, that was heavy on my mind after my last start,” Cobb said. “I had to come out with another nagging issue. I definitely thought, after a year of battling, I didn’t know if there would be much interest. Early on, when teams were calling, I was a bit surprised by the interest.”
Alex Cobb Considered Retirement Before Surprise New Deal
Cobb’s career almost came to an abrupt end after the postseason. However, it was the Tigers who wanted to give Cobb another shot, signing him to a one-year, $15 million contract . The Tigers were drawn to his veteran presence and ability to induce ground balls. A closer look at Cobb’s numbers from 2021-23 reveals a pitcher in command. In 74 starts, he accumulated 394 1/3 innings, posting a 3.79 ERA.
“You get yourself back in the gym, you start working out and throwing again,” Cobb continued, “and you convince yourself you can not only do this but do it at a very successful level where I expect to be. Everything feels great right now.”
Past Success and Resilience
Notably, Cobb’s ground ball rate of 58.1% was the among the best in the league. Only Framber Valdez and Logan Webb surpassed Cobb among pitchers with at least 350 innings pitched. Cobb has navigated adversity before, having missed extensive time due to Tommy John surgery in 2015 and 2016. However, Cobb made successful returns to the mound, making at least 28 starts in both 2017 and 2018.
Cobb even discussed the challenges he faced in 2024. He cited not only his injury rehabilitation but also the struggle to regain his delivery and competitive form. Cobb’s 2024 performance was marked by a 2.76 ERA in three regular-season starts, but struggled in the postseason with a 7.94 ERA.
A Desire to End on a High Note
“I’ve been fortunate to have a long career, Cobb said. I’ve battled a lot of different things. The last way I wanted to end my career was like I did last year. I know you don’t get to choose the way it ends, but it would have been a pretty bitter taste in my mouth to walk away from this game on a year like last year. I think everybody wants to go out on top, but I have a desire to do that.”
As Cobb prepares for the 2025 season, he’s fueled by a renewed passion for the game and a determination to go out on his own terms.
Main Photo: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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