Edwin Jackson Rumors: Jackson Likely to Accept One-Year Deal
By Editorial Staff
We found out this weekend that free agent starting pitcher Edwin Jackson was weighing multiple three-year offers. While the right-hander seemed to be in line for a long-term deal when the offseason began, sources are now saying that Jackson may instead be seeking a one-year contract. Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reported yesterday that Jackson has his sights set on a short-term deal and that it wouldn’t be a surprise if the 28-year-old signs within the next week.
Still only 28, Jackson figured to command a long-term commitment this winter. Still, teams have been hesitant to meet the demands of the Scott Boras client and Jackson remains unsigned as we enter February. Jackson’s inconsistent past has team’s unwilling to hand over the lucrative long-term deal Boras and his client seek.
With this being the case, a source told Connolly that Boras is letting teams know that a “short-term deal is Jackson’s current prerogative”. With Spring Training right around the corner, Connolly is also hearing that Jackson could sign his new contract within the next week.
Boras has shown that he’s not afraid to use this one-year strategy before. Ryan Madson signed a one-year deal with the Reds last month. Adrian Beltre did the same a few seasons ago before inking his $80 million deal with the Rangers.
This strategy figures to change the landscape of the chase for Jackson. The Orioles no longer seem to have a shot, as they offer Jackson little value as a one-year stop. The Red Sox and Cardinals have been tied to Jackson recently, and the chances of each landing the right-hander would increase if these reports are true.
Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe reported that the Red Sox have a one-year offer on the table for Jackson in the $5-6 million range. It’s hard to say how much it will take to land the enigma this winter, but that seems to be a little light.
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