Report: Cubs and Carlos Villanueva Reach Agreement

Villanueva went 7-7 with a 4.16 ERA in 2012

The Chicago Cubs lost out on Anibal Sanchez last week, but appear to be closing in on a deal to sign free agent right-hander Carlos Villanueva and may be in pursuit of free-agent Edwin Jackson.

Villanueva went 7-7 with a 4.16 ERA in 38 games last season, 5-7 with a 4.50 ERA in 16 starts, splitting time as a reliever and a starter.

Entering the free-agent market for the first time Villanueva made it clear that he wanted to be a starter.

Update: The deal is official according to Jon Heyman

The deal is for two years and $10 milllion.

Jackson went 10-11 last season in 31 starts for the Washington Nationals pitching to a 4.03 ERA.

A deal with Jackson would likely include multiple years.

Jackson is said to have narrowed his choices between the Cubs and Texas Rangers.

Signing both pitchers would likely push Villanueva to the bullpen. Either would be joining a staff of of Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Travis Wood, Scott Baker and Scott Feldman.