Chicago White Sox, Jackson agree to one-year deal
Veteran depth.
Affordable, veteran depth.
The Chicago White Sox have been stockpiling experienced players throughout the off-season, and they struck again on Sunday, signing outfielder Austin Jackson to a one-year, $5 million contract.
"Austin provides us with another talented outfield option," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement. "His addition to the roster provides (manager) Robin (Ventura) with additional flexibility from both a defensive and offensive standpoint."
To clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Jackson, the Sox designated third baseman Mike Olt for assignment. In 30 games with the White Sox last season, Olt batted .191 with 4 home runs and 5 RBI.
On Feb. 22, the White Sox signed veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins to a one-year deal. Earlier in February, they signed starting pitcher Mat Latos to a one-year contract.
The Sox also signed catchers Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro to one-year deals and added third baseman Todd Frazier and second baseman Brett Lawrie in trades.
So, where does Jackson fit in?
While the 29-year-old veteran can play all three outfield spots, he is most effective in center.
According to FanGraphs, Jackson was the sixth best defender among the 23 qualified major-league center fielders last season. Adam Eaton, the White Sox' regular center fielder, ranked No. 21.
Eaton had surgery on his throwing (left) shoulder right after the 2015 season and is still not 100 percent. While he's able to swing the bat, Eaton has yet to play defense in a Cactus League game.
Jackson is a solid insurance policy in the event Eaton still can't throw with authority when the regular season opens at Oakland on April 4.
If right fielder Avisail Garcia gets off to a slow offense start, Eaton could take his spot. The Sox could also shift Melky Cabrera to right field and play Eaton in left, with Jackson in center.
Adam LaRoche returns for the White Sox at designated hitter after a disastrous 2015 season.
LaRoche exited Saturday's exhibition game with back spasms. The injury is not believed to be serious, but Eaton is a solid replacement option at DH for the Sox.
Jackson is a six-year veteran.
He's played for the Tigers, Mariners and Cubs and has a career .273/.333/.399 hitting line with 170 doubles, 47 triples, 55 home runs, 296 RBI and 106 stolen bases in 860 games.
Jackson was with the Mariners and Cubs last year. He slashed .267/.311/.385 to go with 25 doubles, 9 homers, 48 RBI and 17 steals.