Report: Brewers, Angels, Rangers interested in Austin Jackson
Austin Jackson may not come with the same kind of fanfare as the top free agent left on the open market, Yoenis Cespedes, but that isn't stopping teams from talking to the outfielder about a potential deal.
The Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Angels, and Texas Rangers have all "kicked the tires" on Jackson, reports ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.
Crasnick also speculates returning to the Chicago Cubs would be a good fit for the 28-year-old, depending on the price of the deal.
Jackson, once an integral part of the Detroit Tigers as both a leadoff hitter and defensively sound center fielder, could provide any of his three reported suitors with a low-cost addition still in the prime years of his career.
His plus-49 defensive runs saved are higher than both Cespedes and the next top free-agent outfielder, Dexter Fowler.
The Brewers currently project to start Kirk Nieuwenhuis in center field, so a starting job may entice Jackson, although playing for potential winners in L.A. or Texas also has appeal.
After posting career highs in average (.300), on-base percentage (.377), slugging (.479), home runs (16), RBIs (66), and total bases (260) in 2012, Jackson hasn't been able to replicate that success.
He slashed .267/.311/.385 with nine home runs and 48 RBIs split between the Seattle Mariners and Cubs last season, earning $7.7 million.