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.
You just knocked the wind out yourself!
Lmao
I don’t think any of the 30 teams are open to Austin Jackson
You must not pay attention to minor league deals
You must be fun at parties
were you trying to be sarcastic?
I think the other party-goers would applaud me calling out a dumb comment like yours, 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
I enjoy jokes when they’re funny.
I think he’ll have some minor league offers if he’s really interested in coming back
How about if there’s32?
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.
Has been wants money. Got it.
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.
Reading comprehension not your thing apparently.
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.
and your issue with this is…?
I love this headline. ‘Man interested in being paid large sums of money to play children’s game’
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
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.
A lot of assumptions in this comment
jealous you dont have the skills to do the same?
NPB, Korea, Mexican league might be able to find a job. Otherwise? AAAA player in the US.
Well better than a AAAA for the better part of his career
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.
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
In other news, I am also open to any 7 figure offers
Shizz, I suppose I’d take 6 figures to play baseball. That’s at least twice what I earn by ‘working.’
He could be a nice bench piece for a team with limited salary space.
Nah
Ooooohhhh Jackson!
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.
There’s a very high chance that “reality” will be delivering some very bad news to you eventually…
It has to be said until a final decision is made, annoying or not.
He sucks and is dreaming anyone would want him. Put down the crack pipe Austin.
Not that long in the tooth???
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.
Cubs Legend Austin Jackson
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.
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.
Judge, Stanton, Gardner, Tauchman, Frazier, and Hicks. They don’t need him.
Yeah Austin and about 500 other former MLB Players waiting for the “right” opportunity.
That’s Miss Jackson if your nasty