Report: Cubs making 'strong push' to sign Cobb in coming days

The Chicago Cubs fortified their starting rotation Thursday by adding right-hander Tyler Chatwood, and they may add another arm soon, too.

Chicago is making a "strong push" to sign free-agent right-hander Alex Cobb and hope to land the former Tampa Bay Rays pitcher soon to avoid having to battle fellow suitors, reports Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago.

The Cubs have been linked to Cobb for much of the offseason, and with 2017 starters Jake Arrieta and John Lackey now free agents, the team could use another pitcher in the rotation.

Cobb pitched well last season - his first full season since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2015 - and has ties to manager Joe Maddon and new pitching coach John Hickey from their time in Tampa Bay.

The 30-year-old was 12-10 with a 3.66 ERA in 179 1/3 innings across 29 starts.

If the Cubs sign the veteran, he would join a rotation featuring Jon Lester, Jose Quintana, Kyle Hendricks, and Chatwood.