San Diego Padres pursuing Edwin Jackson?

The San Diego Padres have yet to make a big splash this offseason, but FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports they could make an entry into the free-agent foray by signing right-hander Edwin Jackson. San Diego is seeking to upgrade its starting rotation, though their only off-season move on that front was inking Jason Marquis to a two-year deal.

Jackson is a Scott Boras client who is likely to seek a multi-year contract after signing a one-year pact with the Nationals last season to build his value. The 29-year-old tossed 189⅔ innings for Washington and saw his strikeout rate increase from 6.7 K/9 in 2011 to 8.0 K/9 in 2012 despite an overall decrease in velocity. Jackson again proved himself to be homer-prone, but he still posted a solid 3.89 FIP.

The northpaw could reap major benefits by pitching in Petco Park's spacious confines, particularly because he showed a nearly four percent increase in fly balls in 2012. However, Jackson might prefer to pitch in a larger market or for a team expected to contend, and the Angels, Blue Jays, and Rangers have all shown interest in attaining his services this winter.