Padres “Strongly Pursuing” Edwin Jackson

MONDAY: The Padres are trying to sign Jackson to a multiyear deal, but talks are "just chatter" now, Scott Miller of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter).

SUNDAY: The Padres and Jackson continue to negotiate towards a three-year deal, a team source tells Jim Bowden of ESPN.com and MLB Network Radio (via Twitter). Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweets the Rangers also have interest in Jackson.

THURSDAY: The Padres are "strongly pursuing" free agent starter Edwin Jackson, two rival executives tell FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.  San Diego is only prepared to go so far for the right-hander, however, as they will likely drop their pursuit if the "strong market" for Jackson produces a four- or five-year contract with an average annual value of $12-$13MM.  (Both links are to Twitter) 

The Twins, Angels, Blue Jays, Rangers and Brewers have all been connected to Jackson this winter, and with so many teams (and so many big markets) in the mix, the Padres may be hard-pressed to land the right-hander.  The Padres were known to be looking for starting pitching this winter, signing Jason Marquis and showing interest in such pitchers as Ubaldo Jimenez, Justin Masterson, Shaun Marcum, Dan Haren and Hiroki Kuroda.

Jackson failed to find a suitable multiyear contract last winter and took a one-year deal with the Nationals, but after a solid 2012 season, it seems unlikely that the 29-year-old would have to settle for another short-term deal.  On the other hand, Jackson could look to establish even more value for himself by spending a season or two at pitcher-friendly Petco Park, plus Jackson is familiar with Padres executives Josh Byrnes and A.J. Hinch from their collective time with the Diamondbacks.