Long-time MLB outfielder Austin Jackson is open to offers to get back on the field, MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reports on Twitter. He says he has remained in playing shape and is interested in a potential return.
Jackson only recently turned 33, so he’s not that long in the tooth. But he didn’t appear in the professional ranks in 2019 after nine consecutive MLB campaigns.
As he contemplates a comeback, Jackson says he’s looking for the “right situation” — not just any opportunity, evidently. There’s obviously no chance he’d command a big-league contract at this point, so he’d surely be looking for a minors arrangement of some kind.
It’s somewhat odd to see this news now, in the midst of a pandemic-driven hiatus, given that Spring Training had nearly wrapped up when the season was paused. But Jackson could ultimately hold appeal if a 2020 season is launched. He’s a known commodity and teams could end up needing added depth to facilitate a compressed schedule and unusual situation.
Jackson struggled badly in his last action in the majors, turning in a collective .245/.299/.326 output over 375 plate appearances with the Giants and Mets. But he was quite productive in 2017, when he slashed .318/.387/.482 for the Indians.
PapiElf
You just knocked the wind out yourself!
davidk1979
Lmao
Ronk325
I don’t think any of the 30 teams are open to Austin Jackson
johnrealtime
You must not pay attention to minor league deals
Ronk325
You must be fun at parties
DarkSide830
were you trying to be sarcastic?
johnrealtime
I think the other party-goers would applaud me calling out a dumb comment like yours, Ronk325
Ronk325
I think it was pretty clear that it was a joke but there is some truth to it. Jackson is 33 and has been a mediocre hitter for the majority of his career. You guys should lighten up a bit
johnrealtime
I enjoy jokes when they’re funny.
I think he’ll have some minor league offers if he’s really interested in coming back
stevewpants
How about if there’s32?
notagain27
What were his defensive metrics during his last active year? There are guys currently playing making millions who aren’t posting those kind of “terrible” offensive numbers.
8ManLineupNoPitcherNoDH
Has been wants money. Got it.
B-Minus21
Lol you know nothing about him. It doesn’t say he’s guaranteed to get a contract or anything. Simply says he’s contemplating a return. How do you know he needs money? What a foolish assumption.
8ManLineupNoPitcherNoDH
Reading comprehension not your thing apparently.
B-Minus21
I’m just saying who cares if he wants to attempt a comeback. If he can’t cut it, he won’t get a contract. Really no need to speculate further.
DarkSide830
and your issue with this is…?
highplainsdriftr
I love this headline. ‘Man interested in being paid large sums of money to play children’s game’
johnrealtime
You could say that about literally any sports transaction headline. “Man signs contract to be paid large sums of money to play children’s game”.
The fact that a former successful big leaguer who took a year off is interested in returning to the game is news on this site. I clicked the article and so did you
rocky7
Didn’t see where in the article it said he “took a year off”…..his last contract was a 2 year deal in 2018 and after being designated for assignment by Texas went to work for the Mets because of injuries in their lineup and played with them until late Sept., when in Oct 2018 he elected free agency…..its possible he wanted to play the field as a free agent and nobody rang the doorbell to employ him in 2019….don’t think his “love of the game” is driving his interest in coming back but its possible I guess.
johnrealtime
A lot of assumptions in this comment
DarkSide830
jealous you dont have the skills to do the same?
User 4245925809
NPB, Korea, Mexican league might be able to find a job. Otherwise? AAAA player in the US.
DarkSide830
Well better than a AAAA for the better part of his career
Ejemp2006
Jackson goes into the book of “potential not met.” Incidentally, he joins a list that includes other former Tigers Maybin and Delmon Young. Jackson took near perfect routes, floated like Devon White but never jumped or dove for a ball out of reach. He had lightning speed but never learned to get a good jump and steal bases. Oh what could have been… Maybe he’s figured it all out and finished a great cycle of PEDs so he’ll come back and have a Brady Anderson breakout.
GONEcarlo
Funny, I was reading NFL draft stuff earlier today about the lineman from USC named Austin Jackson and it made think about what the MLB guy was up to
Melvin McMurf
In other news, I am also open to any 7 figure offers
douger007
Shizz, I suppose I’d take 6 figures to play baseball. That’s at least twice what I earn by ‘working.’
of9376
He could be a nice bench piece for a team with limited salary space.
8ManLineupNoPitcherNoDH
Nah
tigerfan4ever
Ooooohhhh Jackson!
thetruth 2
Can they stop with “if this season is launched”. Until it’s cancelled it’s happening. It’s annoying to hear this in every article.
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
There’s a very high chance that “reality” will be delivering some very bad news to you eventually…
wild bill tetley
It has to be said until a final decision is made, annoying or not.
Yep it is
He sucks and is dreaming anyone would want him. Put down the crack pipe Austin.
jonny24
Not that long in the tooth???
bbgods
If I were Jackson, I would seriously consider signing in the Taiwan league where they are already playing and he would probably be a starting CF.
tomselleck
Cubs Legend Austin Jackson
PutPeteinthehall
Easy to understand. Article says he was active nine years. Needs ten for pension. Between taxes, union dues, and agent I would find it hard to believe player actually sees more than half of his money. Between living it up and relatives with their hands out Jackson probably has half of the half of what he’s earned left. Plenty of professional athletes thought they had money for life before going bankrupt. Jackson would sign any contract where a team would call him up at end of camp. Could be he only needs another half season. With expanded rosters coming he might be able to luck out.
mlbnyyfan
I wouldn’t mind Yankees adding Austin Jackson. He can add much needed team speed and defense. That’s the main reason I wished Yankees brought back Maybin.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Judge, Stanton, Gardner, Tauchman, Frazier, and Hicks. They don’t need him.
sportsguy24/7
Yeah Austin and about 500 other former MLB Players waiting for the “right” opportunity.
Dorothy_Mantooth
That’s Miss Jackson if your nasty