The sneakily brilliant offseason of the Chicago White Sox just got even better.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network on Sunday, free agent outfielder Austin Jackson has agreed to a deal with the club worth $5 million.
Breaking: Austin Jackson has deal with white sox. $5M.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 6, 2016
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports confirmed Heyman’s report and added that the agreement was for one year.
Source confirms: Austin Jackson to #WhiteSox. One year, $5M, per @jonheyman.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 6, 2016
Rosenthal also reports that Jackson turned down an offer worth more money from the Angels partially because of a desire to play center field (something not possible in Anaheim thanks to some dude named Mike Trout).
Source: Jackson chose #WhiteSox partly out of desire to play CF rather than LF. #Angels offered more money, but obviously not CF.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 6, 2016
Jackson, 29, split time between the Mariners and the Cubs last season, batting a total of .267/.311/.385 with nine home runs, 48 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases.
A solid offensive contributor across the board and a strong defensive outfielder, the signing of Jackson adds to an impressive haul for the White Sox this winter that has already seen them land Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie. With a formidable pitching staff anchoring the team, Chicago is poised to make some noise this season, even in a tough AL Central.
Image Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
