In their search for pitching, Scott Harris and the Tigers have landed on Alex Cobb.
The 37-year-old right-hander has agreed to a one-year contract with Detroit, per Ken Rosenthal, pending a physical.
The Tigers hope that Cobb can become the next version of Jack Flaherty and Michael Lorenzen, veteran starters who came to Detroit the past two seasons on one-year deals and changed the arcs of their careers with the help of the club's advanced pitching department.
Cobb pitched in just three games last season after undergoing hip surgery in the offseason and then suffering a shoulder injury that delayed his debut until August following a trade from the Giants to the Guardians.
He posted a 2.76 ERA in three starts for Cleveland down the stretch, then made two starts in the playoffs including Game 3 of the ALDS against the Tigers at Comerica Park. He also dealt with finger and back issues during his time with the Guardians.
Harris, the president of baseball ops for the Tigers, was general manager of the Giants when they signed Cobb to a two-year, $20 million deal in 2021. He was a smart addition for San Francisco before his injuries, logging a 3.58 ERA across 56 starts in two seasons.
A 13-year vet who debuted with the Rays in 2011, Cobb will join a rotation in Detroit headlined by reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, with young arms like Jackson Jobe, Reese Olson and others expected to make a big impact next season.
He has a career record of 79-76 with a 3.84 ERA.