Edwin Jackson, Carlos Villaneuva sign with Cubs
BY TONI GINNETTI tginnetti@suntimes.com December 20, 2012 9:46AM
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Edwin Jackson throws to the Texas Rangers in the first inning of a baseball game Monday, May 16, 2011, in Chicago. (AP Photo/John Smierciak)
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Updated: December 20, 2012 4:54PM
The Cubs will add two more arms to challenge for rotation spots with the signings of right-handers Edwin Jackson and Carlos Villanueva.
Both deals where completed Thursday pending physicals for both players, according to multiple reports.
Both 29-year-olds will vie for starting roles, with returning Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Travis Wood and newly-signed Scott Baker and Scott Feldman.
Jackson’s deal is the bigger signing—a four-year package worth $52 million. Though Jackson has pitched for five different clubs in the last six seasons—including the White Sox in 2011—he is a former All-Star (2009) who also pitched a no-hitter for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was part of the Washington Nationals’ National League East Division-winning team last season, going 10-11 with a 4.03 ERA in 31 starts.
Villanueva gets a two-year deal worth $10 million. He made 29 starts for the Toronto Blue Jays over the last two seasons and had indicated he wanted a chance to remain a starter.
He also made 42 relief appearances for the Jays and had been a reliever with the Milwaukee Brewers.
As is team policy under Theo Epstein, neither player received a no-trade clause.
