The Chicago Cubs announced last night that former first round draft pick outfielder Brett Jackson was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for relief pitcher Blake Cooper.
Jackson was once the Cubs top prospect after being drafted in the first round, 31st overall in the 2008 draft. Jackson was a Jim Hendry draft pick. The Cubs cleared a spot on the 40-man roster by trading Jackson as Cooper was not needed to be added to it.
Jackson has been on the declined recently after good seasons in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Jackson saw the majors in 2012 after having a line of .256/.338/.479/.817 with 15 home runs, 47 runs batted in,47 walks and struck out 158 times in 407 at-bats during his stint in Iowa. Jackson’s states were not good when he came to Wrigley, posting a .175/.303/.342/644 with 4 home runs, 9 runs batted in, 22 walks and struck out 59 times. Jackson’s strikeout problems were always a concerned and was never able to be fixed. Jackson only saw four games in the majors last season.
Jackson has been a forgotten guy with all of the Cubs top hitters now. Before Jackson was traded, he was only hitting .223 with 6 home runs, 23 runs batted in 21 walks and struck out 77 times. Jackson was on his way to being designated for assignment as the Cubs needed to clear 40-man spots. But the trade did justice and the Cubs got pitching depth for Iowa.
Jackson is still only 26-years old and the Diamondbacks will hope he is a change of scenery type of guy that will work out for them.
Cooper was not in the Diamondbacks 30 top prospects before the season and just depth in the minors. This season, Cooper has posted a 6.00 era in 24 innings pitched out of the bullpen. He also has given up 1 home run, 17 walks and struck out 20. Cooper is also 26-years old.
Next player likely to be removed off the 40-man roster like Jackson is Josh Vitters.
Next to join the Cubs: Outfielder Matt Szczur
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