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Cubs pitching coach endorses potentially signing Cobb

Adam Glanzman / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Chicago Cubs found a new pitching coach at the end of October, reuniting Jim Hickey with manager Joe Maddon, but he may not be the only former Tampa Bay Rays employee to end up in the Windy City.

With Jake Arrieta and John Lackey hitting free agency, Chicago may need to add to its rotation, and Hickey said Thursday that he would endorse the potential signing of right-handed free agent Alex Cobb.

"Go ahead. Good job. I'm on board," Hickey told "Spiegel and Parkins" of 670 The Score when asked what he would say if the Cubs suggested they sign Cobb. "We've actually already talked about a number of free agents, whether they're starting pitchers or relief pitchers. And I've been given a couple assignments already as well."

Hickey served as Cobb's pitching coach in Tampa from 2011-17.

The 30-year-old Cobb has until Nov. 13 to accept or reject the $17.4-million qualifying offer he received from the Rays. He pitched well for them last season, amassing a 12-10 record with a 3.66 ERA in 29 starts.

Cobb did miss all of the 2015 season recovering from Tommy John surgery.

If Arrieta and Lackey depart, the Cubs' rotation would be left with Jon Lester, Jose Quintana, and Kyle Hendricks.

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