SF Giants trade veteran pitcher to AL contender paving way for rookie

The SF Giants have traded veteran starting pitcher Alex Cobb to the Cleveland Guardians per ESPN's Jeff Passan. In exchange, the Giants will receive minor leaguer Jacob Bresnahan and a player to be named later per MLB.com's Mandy Bell.

SF Giants trade veteran pitcher to AL contender paving way for rookie

Cobb's name came up some in terms of potential Giants who could be traded at the deadline. Even though he has not thrown a pitch for the Giants all year, he will be a free agent after the season so it made sense that the Giants could look to deal him.

Cobb was solid in his time with the Giants. They signed him to a 3-year deal ahead of the 2022 season and he was remarkably consistent in 2022 and 2023. In 2022 he had a record of 7-8 in 28 starts and 149 and 2/3 innings pitched with an ERA of 3.73. Last season he had a 7-7 record in 28 starts and 151 and 1/3 innings pitched with a 3.87 ERA.

Unfortunately, Cobb had to pitch through a hip injury at the end of last season that required surgery. He seemed to be making good progress from the injury earlier in the year, but he suffered several setbacks that prevented him from returning to the Giants.

The Guardians are definitely taking a chance on the 36 year old given his injury history. However, when he is right, he can be really dominant on the mound with his wicked sinker and intense competitiveness.

This move opens the door for rookie Hayden Birdsong who has looked phenomenal as of late with the Giants. He is coming off two straight masterful performances against the Rockies and will most likely have a chance to establish himself as a key piece of the rotation the rest of the season.

The player the Giants acquired, pitcher Jacob Bresnahan, is just 19 years old and has a combined ERA of 2.70 across A ball and Rookie ball this season.