Red Sox Free Agent Targets: Top 5 available starting pitchers

2. Alex Cobb

Alex Cobb seemingly had his way with the Red Sox this season. In five outings against them, he had a 2.25 ERA.

Cobb, very much like everybody else on this list, is a very seasoned veteran. He is coming off a fairly strong season. The record is not indicative of his success.

Cobb went 12-10, with a 3.66 ERA this season. He also ranked in the top fifteen in WPA this year, with a WPA of 1.90. Cobb has shown he is a guy who can be a two or three in the rotation, but there is not a need for that in Boston.

Just like everybody else on this list, Cobb would be a strong three or four in the Sox rotation. He is not a need, but he is more of a luxury for the Red Sox.

But will the Red Sox be willing to pay the price tag for Cobb?

Cobb will make somewhere in the area of $15 million this off-season, and that will be from a suitor who will make him their ace, or number two. If the Red Sox could convince Cobb to take a pay cut to stay in the same division and compete for a playoff spot, that may be all he needs to sign up. He has not been part of a meaningful pennant race since 2013.

Cobb could be the guy that the Sox need at the back of the rotation to get the ball back to Chris Sale and David Price.