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Reports: Cubs sign Villanueva to 2-year deal

While the Cubs have not made any official announcement, multiple reports Thursday say the club has signed 29-year-old right-hander Carlos Villanueva to a two-year-deal, and they remain in the running for much-traveled starter Edwin Jackson.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported the Villanueva deal is worth $10 million over that period.

And according to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Cubs have offered Jackson, 29, a four-year deal worth $52 million.

The Cubs already have Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Scott Feldman and Travis Wood in their rotation and this offseason they added Scott Baker, who is coming off Tommy John surgery. Villanueva gives them flexibility as a start or someone who could move to the bullpen if Baker is healthy.

Villanueva, 29, has served both as a starter and reliever for the Toronto Blue Jays the past two seasons. He made 16 starts with Toronto over the last two seasons as well as 22 relief appearances with a 4.16 ERA. As a starter, Villanueva is 16-22 in his career with a 4.80 ERA.

Jackson, who finished last season with the Washington Nationals, has played for seven teams, including the White Sox. Jackson had a 4.03 ERA last season when he finished 10-11 in 31 starts.

Former Washington Nationals starting pitcher Edwin Jackson reportedly is considering an offer from the Cubs. Associated Press
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