Chicago Cubs: Edwin Jackson one of Theo Epstein’s big ‘misses’

Every Chicago Cubs fan thinks every move, Theo Epstein, and Jed Hoyer have made panned out. Well, the name Edwin Jackson still gives fans nightmares.

Jan. 2, 2012 – a date which will live in infamy… Okay, maybe it’s not that bad. But Chicago Cubs fans won’t soon forget that day. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer inked right-hander Edwin Jackson to a four-year, $52 million deal.

Here we are, more than six years later, and I’m still scratching my head. What warranted such a hefty deal for a sub-.500 pitcher? That’s what he had always been – and things didn’t change in Chicago.

One of Theo’s rare misses in Chicago

I’ll never forget the Cubs’ 2013 home opener. Jackson took the ball against Milwaukee. He went six innings, allowing five runs. Even though he struggled, the Cubs rallied to win the game.

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Jackson spent three seasons with the Cubs, but it felt like six. In those years “E-Jax” compiled a 16-34 record with an inflated 5.37 ERA. In truth, it could have been quite a lot worse. There were many games that he would spend the entire game getting himself into trouble and then somehow wiggle his way out of it.

Whenever Jackson would take the ball, it felt like the game was already a loss even before the game even before it started. If on the off chance he pitched well it felt like the Cubs had won the lottery.

Aside from his time on the North Side, he’s been quite the journeyman. With his start for the Oakland Athletics earlier this week, he tied the big league record, pitching for his 13th Major League team. 

In his 16 seasons, he has accumulated a record of 98-120 with a 4.66 ERA. It’s nice to see him still plugging along, but suffice to say, I’m not sad it’s not with Chicago.

The Edwin Jackson signing

There’s no doubt about it the signing of Edwin Jackson was one of if not the worst signing of the Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer era.

Next: Darvish living in the past - to detriment of Cubs, fans

Just remember this, Theo and Jed have hit home runs with the majority of their trades and signings. So, I guess they deserve a pass on when signing of theirs doesn’t work even if the front office has too much pride to admit that the Edwin Jackson was a total bust.