The Chicago Cubs already made one major trade when they acquired top prospect Addison Russell from the Oakland A’s for Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel, but they nearly pulled off another trade involving two struggling stars.
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According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Cubs and Braves discussed a deal that would have sent pitcher Edwin Jackson to the Atlanta for outfielder B.J. Upton. The two sides discussed the deal before the July 31 trade deadline, but the Cubs turned the deal down at the last minute.
“The Braves would have had to throw in a ton of cash in the deal considering Upton is still owed $46.35 million for the next three years, while Jackson is owed $22 million over the next two years.
And, really, the two sides say, they weren't close to agreeing to a deal.
Yet, it was definitely discussed they say, and likely will be broached once again this winter.
Stay tuned.”
As Nightengale said, the two sides are expected to revisit the deal in the winter and with the level of interest from both camps, it is likely that a deal will be reached at some point.
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Jackson is 6-14 with a 6.09 ERA in 26 starts and 139 innings for Chicago this season and is 14-32 with a 5.47 ERA since signing with the team in 2013.
Upton isn't much better as he is batting .205 with nine home runs, 31 RBI and a .280 on-base percentage this season and .197 with 18 homers and 57 RBI since joining the Braves in 2013. He leads the major leagues in strikeouts with 155.
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