Rays righty becomes a free agent after declining the $17.4M qualifying offer. His former teammates will miss him in the clubhouse.
“As difficult as it is knowing I won’t be wearing a Rays uniform next year, I’m beyond excited to see what the next chapter of my career brings,” the words of Alex Cobb on his departure from Tampa Bay.
Those were just some of the parting words from the RHP after the six-year veteran declined his qualifying offer from the team that drafted him in the fourth round of the 2006 draft.
On Thursday, Cobb became a free agent. It’s the end of his career in Tampa Bay where he’s seen huge ups and frustrating downs. At the end of the 2017 season after recovering from Tommy John surgery “Cobber” put together some career numbers including starts (29), wins (12), and innings pitched (179.1). The 30-year old Boston native will undoubtedly get plenty of attention from contending clubs as well as those trying to build a rotation around a proven arm and one-time ace.
Respect for Cobb
What did Alex Cobb mean to this team? Rookie RHP Jacob Faria spoke of his now former teammate both on and off the diamond.
I couldn’t be any more thankful for the influence @Acobb53 had on me this season. He paved the way and he showed what true professionalism looked like both on and off the field. A real pro. #ThanksCobber
— Jacob Faria (@JDFaria34) November 17, 2017
RF Steven Souza Jr, who played with Cobb for three seasons also sounded off on Twitter.
Thank you Cobb for welcoming me with open arms since the first day arriving Tampa. You were and always will be a brother to me and will forever be grateful to God that he allowed us to play together for three years. Wherever you go they’re going to love you!
— Steven Souza Jr. (@SouzaJr) November 17, 2017
And of course, the organization that he’s called home for so many years couldn’t be more proud.
We wish @Acobb53 nothing but the best. pic.twitter.com/2kD861TyZ3
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) November 17, 2017
“The two things that I’ll truly miss the most are the friendships I’ve made and our fans. The relationships I’ve built not only with my teammates and coaches but also the front office and staff have played a major part of who I am today. I can’t express how much I’ll miss spending each day with my Rays family.”
Always a consummate professional. Fan-friendly as well as available to the media anytime. Alex Cobb says goodbye to the Tampa Bay area. He’ll be back. The only question that remains is what uniform will he be sporting in the opposite dug out when he does.
Thank you, Cobber. We’ll see you, around.
