Cubs acquire Austin Jackson

The Chicago Cubs acquired outfielder Austin Jackson from the Seattle Mariners, Shannon Drayer of 710 AM Seattle reported Monday. 

In return for Jackson, the Mariners reportedly received a player to be named later and $211,100 in international signing bonus money. The deal has since been announced by Chicago. 

The 28-year-old Jackson is a free agent at the end of the season. He is having a solid year, hitting .272/.312/.387/.699 (98 OPS+) with eight homers and 38 runs batted in over 448 plate appearances. Jackson is currently heating up, posting a .837 OPS over the last 28 days, making him a good August trade candidate. 

Jackson reportedly cleared waivers earlier in the month and drew interest from the Rangers and Orioles, with the latter team apparently trying to get a deal done with the Mariners before the Cubs got him. 

For the Cubs, Jackson represents more good right-handed hitting outfield help off the bench. With Jorge Soler on the DL, the Cubs decided to grab another righty outfielder. Matt Szczur and Chris Denorfia are also right-handed hitting outfield depth in Chicago.

--Devan Fink

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