MLB Trade Rumors: Alex Cobb Acquired by Guardians from Giants amid 2024 Injuries

The Cleveland Guardians are finishing up a trade to add right-handed starting pitcher Alex Cobb from the San Francisco Giants, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Cleveland is sending back pitching prospect Jacob Bresnahan and a player to be named later, per Zack Meisel of The Athletic.

Cobb, 36, made his first-ever All-Star team last year. He went 7-7 with a 3.87 ERA (1.32 WHIP) over 28 starts, striking out 131 batters in 151.1 innings.

Cobb has missed the entire 2024 season after offseason left hip surgery and then right mild shoulder inflammation, per MLB.com.

"Cobb progressed well in rehab from offseason hip surgery but hit another setback when he felt mild shoulder irritation before throwing a bullpen session on April 16. Cobb, who was transferred to the 60-day injured list on April 20, attempted to resume throwing after that, but he was shut down again after continuing to experience soreness in his shoulder."

San Francisco hoped Cobb could make his debut on Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics, but a blister popped on his right index finger during a July 26 rehab start and thwarted that plan.

Prior to the reported trade, MLB.com reported that Cobb was "likely to be pushed back to the weekend series" against the Cincinnati Reds from August 2-4 following the latest setback. That's obviously a good sign that Cobb was ready to go shortly despite the blister concerns, but now he'll be joining a Cleveland team currently holding onto the AL Central lead.

Passan offered more insight into the move.

"Alex Cobb hasn't pitched yet this season after undergoing hip surgery. But multiple evaluators who saw him pitch in rehab appearances came away impressed with his stuff. And Cobb's competitiveness is renowned. This should be a good addition for the Guardians."

Cobb also has a connection to the team already, per Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game.

As for the Giants, Cobb's exit means the team will move Hayden Birdsong back into the rotation, per Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area.

Bresnahan, who is now headed to San Francisco, was Cleveland's 13th-round choice last year. The left-hander recently made his debut for the Single-A Lynchburg Hillcats of the Carolina League.