White Sox sign outfielder Austin Jackson to one-year deal

The Chicago White Sox have signed free-agent outfielder Austin Jackson to a one-year, $5 million deal, as Jon Heyman of MLB Network first reported. They announced the deal. 

Jackson had reportedly received a contract from the Angels worth more money, but turned it down.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Jackson desired to play center field. This was something that the White Sox could offer, but the Angels could not. 

Even though it took him awhile to find a contract, Jackson was ineligible for a qualifying offer at the beginning of the offseason. 

The lack of interest in Jackson was likely due to the surplus of outfielders on the market. Jason Heyward, Alex Gordon, Yoenis Cespedes, and many other starting caliber outfielders were available throughout the offseason. 

The 29-year-old Jackson had a really good season in 2015. 

He hit .267/.311/.385 with nine home runs, 56 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases in 527 plate appearances last year, spending time with the Mariners and Cubs. 

According to FanGraphs, Jackson was an above-average fielder and was worth a total of 2.3 Wins Above Replacement. 

The White Sox have needed outfield help to upgrade over Avisail Garcia, who has not lived up to his prospect potential. In 2016, Jackson projects to be Chicago's center fielder, with Adam Eaton (their center fielder in 2015) sliding over to a corner spot. 

​--Devan Fink

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