5 trade candidates to start thinking about amid Max Scherzer injury concerns

3) The Mets could benefit from a veteran pitcher like Alex Cobb

The San Francisco Giants find themselves in another year where it looks hard to replicate their good 2021 season. In a tough division with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and now the Arizona Diamondbacks, the odds of a return to the postseason are dwindling.

In this complicated situation, the Giants will have to resort to becoming sellers this season, depleting players like Alex Cobb within their sales options. Cobb only has one more year left on his contract in the form of a $10 million club option and a $2 million buyout.

His contract value is eye-catching for a pitcher of his caliber, which would attract several contending teams interested in acquiring his services. Cobb is pitching a good season with an ERA that ranks top of the league among starting pitchers.

Much of Cobb's success has been his pitching control, being within the top 10 in the league in BB%. Likewise, his success is also due to a high number of hits on the ground thanks to his powerful 95 mph sinker, to which the opposition hits less than .250.

Alex Cobb looks like a viable option for a rotation that needs pitching experience and mound control. The Mets would have to fight several teams for Cobb's services, something that would increase the desired return for the Giants. However, due to his value and his contract, he is well worth it.