Texas Rangers trade rumors: Edwin Jackson designated for assignment

Texas Rangers trade rumors:  Edwin Jackson has been designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs, during a time where the Rangers have been casting about for relief help.  Is it possible that the Rangers might be interested in the righthander?

Jackson is well-traveled, having been traded six times -- five times in a two-and-a-half year span -- and having signed two free agent contracts.  The Cubs signed him to a 4 year, $52 million deal prior to the 2013 season, but he was awful his first two years there, resulting in him being banished to the bullpen for the 2015 campaign.

Jackson clearly didn't have manager Joe Maddon's trust -- of his 23 outings this year, only one has come with the Cubs ahead, and three with the game tied, with the other 19 coming in games where Chicago was down at least 2 runs.  Still, he has a 3.19 ERA this year and a 2.84 FIP, while getting ground balls at a solid clip.  He's not missing many bats, but he's averaging 94.2 mph this season on his fastballs per Fangraphs, and he's under contract through 2016.

No one is going to take Jackson without the Cubs paying most of his contract, but given the Rangers' need for relief help, one wonders whether they might try to work out a deal with Chicago to get Jackson that would involve Texas paying close to the league minimum and sending the Cubs a fringe prospect.  Alternatively, he's someone Texas could try to bring in as a free agent if and when he clears waivers.