10 MLB moves that need to happen before the offseason ends

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 18: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs stands on the mound in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 18, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 22: Alex Cobb #53 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 22, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Rays won 8-3. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

8. Dodgers sign Alex Cobb

Yu Darvish has hinted that the Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the six finalists to land his services for the next five to six years. The last time the Dodgers had a big starting pitcher on the open market, they were not extremely aggressive to retain Zack Greinke, who was coming off one of the best seasons by a starting pitcher (in terms of run prevention, anyway) since the 1990s.

Continuing to trim payroll at approach the luxury-tax threshold has been a big focus for Andrew Friedman and his front office. The Dodgers have not signed a major free agent during his tenure. Yes, big-money deals have gone to players like Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen, but they had built up favor with the organization. Rich Hill’s three-year deal is not a fair comparison, either. The last the Dodgers saw Darvish on the mound, he was melting down in the World Series.

Even with a need to fill out the rotation, the Dodgers don’t jump off the page as a heavy spender this winter. Their rotation is good enough at the top to get back to the playoffs without keeping an ace like Darvish or Jake Arrieta. Picking up insurance in the form of a mid-tier starter like Alex Cobb makes sense.

Cobb is a fly-ball pitcher who gives up plenty of home runs, but his stuff should play well in Dodger Stadium and the other spacious parks of the NL West. The 30-year-old right-hander isn’t a dominant arm, but he is a nice depth addition who can likely be had on a three-year deal similar to the Hill deal the Dodgers handed out last year. His presence also takes pressure off top prospect Walker Buehler or could allow for him to move into the bullpen for his rookie year.

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