According to a report by FanSided’s MLB insider Robert Murray, the Minnesota Twins and Jay Jackson, a former bullpen pitcher for
the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays, have agreed to a big league deal. Although the details were not disclosed, the deal is
most likely for a year. Jackson will, however, be guaranteed a full MLB salary if he passes his physical and the trade is completed since
he has exhausted his minor-league options.
Jackson was a member of the Toronto Blue Jays organization for the whole 2023 season. Jackson threw 29.2 innings in 25 big-league
games, striking out 27 batters and walking nine in his 2.12 ERA (4.20 FIP). At Triple-A, he did record a 6.27 ERA, but he also had
some remarkable strikeout (43) and walk (7) totals.
Following his selection by the Chicago Cubs in the eighth round of the 2008 MLB Draft, Jackson has enjoyed one of the most traveled
careers in professional baseball. Since then, he has played for eight different MLB organizations, spent several times in Mexico and
Japan, and made appearances in the main leagues with five different clubs.
Before moving to Japan to play as a successful reliever with the Hiroshima Carp from 2016 to 2018, Jackson had his first major-league
season with the Padres in 2015. After coming back to the United States in 2019, Jackson played for the Brewers and finished with a
4.45 ERA (4.66 FIP).
Despite a turbulent 2020 season that prevented the righty from finding a big-league opportunity, Jackson inked a minor-league
contract with the Giants before the 2021 campaign ever got underway. After missing the first few games of the season due to an injury,
Jackson crushed Triple-A right away. In 10 appearances and 14 innings thrown, he struck out 24 batters while giving up just two runs
on five hits and one walk in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.
Eventually, the Giants bring him up to the MLB bullpen after appreciating his outstanding performance. His fiery approach on the
mound helped San Francisco out of numerous tight situations, and he became a fan favorite. With 28 strikeouts and 12 walks in 21.2
innings, Jackson had a 3.74 ERA as a middle reliever for San Francisco.
Jackson was moved by the Giants to Atlanta in exchange for cash after the season. A lat injury sidelined Jackson for the first few
months of the season, despite expectations that he would battle for a position in Atlanta’s Opening Day bullpen. Jackson did well in
Triple-A (1.83 ERA in 19.2 innings) upon his comeback, but Atlanta only brought him up to the majors for a limited period of time in
August. He prevented a run.
After the season, Jackson became a free agent and eventually signed a minor-league contract with Toronto. Jay Jackson has been
successful at almost every stage on his extensive professional path, while leading a restless lifestyle. With almost 11 seasons of Triple-A
experience and an MLB career 3.50 ERA (4.17 FIP) in 84 appearances, he will be hoping for some long-term consistency with the
Minnesota Twins.
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