The San Francisco Giants and Cleveland Guardians struck a deal Tuesday afternoon. It sends 36-year-old right-hander Alex Cobb to Northeast Ohio for lefty Jacob Bresnahan and a player to be named later. After addressing lineup needs, the Guardians have added a veteran starter for depth in their rotation.
Cobb was a National League All-Star for the first time in his 12-year major league career in 2023 but has yet to make his 2024 debut. He had hip surgery in the offseason and was going to return in May. Shoulder irritation delayed his return to the mound. The right-hander was expected to get the starting nod on Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics.
What This Means for Giants
This move signals an investment in the young arms of the Giants’ rotation. The emergence of 22-year-old Hayden Birdsong, Kyle Harrison, and a healthy Robbie Ray gives the Giants a strong starting rotation as the second half progresses.
The Giants sent former all-star slugger Jorge Soler back to the Atlanta Braves on Monday evening. The trade indicates a salary dump on a hefty contract more than the Giants being sellers. Moving off of Cobb in a year where he has not seen the mound with a healthy rotation felt like a no-brainer. In return, they get 19-year-old Bresnahan who has looked excellent at the Single-A level this year.
Guardians Add Pitching Depth
Cobb had been a staple in the Giants’ rotation the past two seasons. He still has another year of control with a club option after this season. There is a bit of uncertainty about what version of Cobb the Guardians may be getting. In six appearances at the minor league level in 2024 in preparation for his return, posting a 3.93 ERA, with 24 strikeouts in 18.1 innings pitched. Cobb can return as early as this week.
More Trade Deadline Coverage
- Phillies Trade Soto to Baltimore for Two Prospects
- Phillies Acquire Tanner Banks from the White Sox
- Giants Cap off Deadline With Trade for Mark Canha
- Diamondbacks Acquire Dylan Floro From Nationals
- Jack Flaherty and Kevin Kiermaier Traded to the Dodgers in Last Minute Deals
- Padres Acquire All-Star Closer Tanner Scott From Marlins
- Met’s Acquire Paul Blackburn From A’s
- Rangers Acquire Andrew Chafin From Tigers
- Lucas Erceg Goes to Bullpen-Needy Royals From Athletics
- Josh Bell Traded to Arizona, Miami Firesale Continues
- Baltimore Adds Trevor Rogers from Miami to Boost Starting Rotation
- Red Sox Acquire Righty Reliever Lucas Sims from Reds
- Yankees Strengthen Bullpen with Addition of Mark Leiter Jr
- Pirates Acquire Josh Walker From Mets
- Houston Astros Land Yusei Kikuchi in Deal with Blue Jays
- Jorge Soler, Luke Jackson Traded Back to Atlanta in Deadline Deal
- Rockies Trade Jalen Beeks to Pirates for Pitching Prospect
- Mariners Acquire Justin Turner in Trade with Blue Jays
- Orioles Rumors at the Deadline
- Pirates Acquire Infielder Nick Yorke from Red Sox
- Rangers Trade Michael Lorenzen to Royals
