CHICAGO – Pitcher Edwin Jackson couldn't have scripted a better start to the new year.

Jackson's four-year, $52 million deal with the Cubs was officially announced today. And Saturday, the 29-year-old and his fiancé, Erika Zanders, will get married. The financial security and returning to Chicago, where he spent two years (2010 and 2011) with the White Sox, both appealed to Jackson, who is now with his eighth team in 11 big league seasons.

"We had a chance to speak a few weeks ago before any decisions were made," Jackson said. "It was definitely reassuring that you have a chance to directly talk to members of the organization and get a hands-on feel for what they think and their mindset on having you part of the organization."