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Washington Nationals: 3 Black Friday bargains they should consider

By Drew Douglas

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 05: General Manager Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals introduces Manager Dusty Baker (not pictured) at Nationals Park on November 5, 2015 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 05: General Manager Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals introduces Manager Dusty Baker (not pictured) at Nationals Park on November 5, 2015 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Signing Alex Cobb

After undergoing Tommy John Surgery in 2017, Joe Ross may miss the entire 2018 season. Because of this, the Nats have a need for a starting pitcher, and should consider signing Alex Cobb.

Cobb has spent the last six seasons pitching for the Tampa Bay Rays, and owns a 3.50 career ERA. He has been the American League’s version of Tanner Roark, a steadily solid starting pitcher who is often overlooked.

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One thing that may scare teams away is the fact that Cobb has undergone Tommy John Surgery. However, the Nats have historically handled Tommy John surgeries very well. Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann are the most well-known examples, but there have been several others.

Cobb will also come relatively cheap. He rejected the qualifying offer, which means whoever signs him will have to forfeit a draft pick, but it would be worth it for a pitcher of his caliber. MLB Trade Rumors predicted he will sign for four years and $48 million, which is consistent with other projections as well.

Signing Cobb would benefit the Nats after Ross returns too, since Gio Gonzalez’s contract expires after the 2018 season. However, the Nats will not be alone in pursuing Cobb; the Cubs and Yankees, among other teams have also been linked to him.

Erick Fedde and A.J. Cole do not appear ready to become full-time MLB starters just yet, and Edwin Jackson pitched himself out of a job late in 2017, so the Nats have an obvious need for a starting pitcher. If they elect to fill this need through free agency, Cobb could turn out to be a terrific bargain.

Next: 3 things Nats fans should be thankful for

With Black Friday now here, millions of Americans will be doing quite a bit of shopping. The Nats have shopping to do as well, and they should absolutely consider these three potential bargains.

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