KC Royals: Remaining Free Agent Outfield Options

Austin Jackson: Age 29

Austin Jackson may be the most likely of the players on this list to wind up with the Royals but it’s still a reach.

I like Austin Jackson a lot. He is one of the lesser talked about outfielders this off-season but still has plenty of value. He’s only 29 years old and has put up a bWAR of 1.6 last season.

Twice he’s had a bWAR of over 5. Both of those seasons came with the Tigers when they were serious contenders for a title. Who’s to say Jackson couldn’t recapture some of that production playing for a contender again?

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Jackson is a career .273 hitter. He’s capable of double digit steals and has a career OBP of .333. He does strike out a fair amount, but may be another player who could benefit from a new plate approach.

The other benefit to Austin Jackson is his defense. He’s saved 49 runs on defense from center field. He’s athletic enough to play a good right field for the Royals and maybe even spell Lorenzo Cain in center if need be.

Austin Jackson may not be a flashy pickup but he’s the kind of under the radar signing that Dayton Moore has created a winner on. If he could revitalize his career with Kansas City he could earn a big payday next season and further cement Dayton Moore’s legacy as an evil genius (Okay he’s just a genius).

Next: Other Options and Analysis