Cubs Have Serious Competition For Their Big Free Agent Target

The Chicago Cubs have already reached out to Alex Cobb last week and the free agent starting pitcher has expressed his interested in wanting to reunite with pitching coach Jim Hickey. So, a deal between the two sides should be easy, right? Well, as much as Cobb says he'd love to pitch for the Cubs, he still has to explore all his options and the free agent market for his service is starting to grow. A few days ago, MLB insider Peter Gammons said the free agent battle for Cobb will involve the Cubs, but their strongest opponent will be the New York Yankees.

–Heading for Thanksgiving, the industry consensus is that the Alex Cobb showdown will come down to Cubs v. Yankees. (Peter Gammons)

The Yankees have shifted their focus in recent years on developing their minor league system again and haven't gone too crazy in free agency, but that doesn't mean they won't open the checkbook now. So, their presence alone could drive up the price in negotiations, but the Yankees aren't the only ones openly expressing interest in Cobb. Cobb has spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Rays and now one of his other former AL East rival would like to have him in their rotation. According to Jon Morosi, the Baltimore Orioles are searching for pitching help and Cobb is on their short list.

Morosi reported a third team that has reached out to Cobb. According to him, the Texas Rangers are in the mix as well.

The Rangers also have had preliminary contact with Cobb's representatives, according to sources. In fact, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported the club tried to acquire Cobb from the Rays via trade last offseason. The Rangers are in a similar position to the Orioles: They need to acquire multiple starting pitchers in order to challenge for a postseason spot -- especially in a division led by the defending World Series champion Astros. (Jon Morosi)

Early projections have Cobb's contract to be in the vicinity of four years for $60 million. However, the Cubs still have the advantage over these three teams. Yes, the Yankees also have a foundation built to compete for the foreseeable future, but the Yankees don't have Joe Maddon and Jim Hickey, the Cubs do. That may ultimately be the deciding factor for Cobb, who has praised Maddon and Hickey.