Chicago Cubs will get their man for the rotation – it’s a matter of time

A more modestly priced option this winter?

For years, the Tampa Bay Rays have been the model for developing in-house pitching. And after adding several of their in-house people to the mix in Chicago, the Cubs are hoping to replicate that success in the long-term.

But in the meantime? Why not add a guy they’re intimately familiar with in Alex Cobb? When the offseason began, the right-hander reportedly sought a four-year, $60 million deal. Since then, however, his demands reportedly spiked to $20 million annually – on a deal potentially spanning five years, not four.

Last season, Cobb put up a 3.66 ERA in 29 starts for Tampa. His 4.16 FIP left a little to be desired, especially at a $20 million AAV asking price. But over his career, he’s been a solid middle-of-the-rotation piece. And the thing is – the Cubs don’t need another ace. They arguably have three of them already in Jose Quintana, Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks.

Adding Cobb to that mix, along with Chatwood? The Cubs are set. Instead of throwing $100-plus million at Arrieta or Darvish, this might make more sense. But, again, rumors are swirling. Cobb may not sign until both pitchers are off the board – which, to be frank, seems unlikely without the Cubs taking one of them.

Next: Will Machado rumors end up hurting Cubs' pursuit?

The next month will be interesting, to say the least. Can the Twins get a meeting with Darvish and convince him to come to Minneapolis? Hard to say. But the power landscape could drastically shift based on where these three land.

One thing remains certain: if the Cubs deem the terms worthy, they’ll get the man they want.