Austin Jackson reportedly agrees to deal with White Sox
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.
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