Edwin Jackson played a critical role in the A's run to the postseason last year. Now it appears he will be back in the fold for 2019.
According to The Athletic's Julian McWilliams, the A's are closing in on a minor-league contract with the veteran right-hander.
The two sides have maintained contact throughout the offseason and into the regular season. Initially, they couldn't come to terms on a financial agreement.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
According to a source with knowledge of the negotiations, Jackson had been looking for a one-year deal in the $7 million range or two years for around $12 million, while the A's were hoping to re-sign him for closer to $4 million.
Jackson, 35, signed a minor-league deal with the A's last June and was called up later that month. In 17 starts, he went 6-3 with a 3.33 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. He was also a key part of Oakland's tremendous clubhouse chemistry.
If the A's do come to terms with Jackson, he could eventually replace Aaron Brooks in the starting rotation. If nothing else, he would provide some much-needed depth, with both Mike Fiers and Marco Estrada struggling in their most recent starts.