Austin Jackson Traded to the Chicago Cubs

The Seattle Mariners have reportedly shipped Austin Jackson to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for a player to be named later and international slot money. The 28-year-old center fielder cleared waivers last week, and thus was eligible to be moved before tonight’s waiver trade deadline at 11:59 pm. Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times broke the news on twitter this afternoon.

Austin Jackson traded to the Cubs for player to be named later
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) August 31, 2015

The Seattle Mariners acquired Austin Jackson on trade deadline day last season as part of the three team deal that saw David Price land in the Motor City. Jackson was a .277 hitter across parts of five seasons in Detroit, but he has struggled to replicate those numbers since joining the Mariners last summer. AJ is hitting .257 with 8 home runs and 52 RBI in 161 games with Seattle. His on base percentage with the tigers was .342, but he has registered a disappointing .297 OBP for the M’s. A-Jax slugged .413 across nearly 3000 at bats with Detroit, but that number has dropped to .343 during his time in the Emerald City. However, He has done a nice job on the base paths, tallying 26 steals in a Mariners’ uniform.

It is hard to explain why Austin Jackson’s numbers have dropped off so dramatically. He has spent the majority of his time hitting leadoff with Seattle, which was typically a great spot for him with the Tigers. Safeco Field is notoriously unfriendly to hitters, but Jackson has actually posted better numbers at home during his time with the M’s.

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2015 has been a more productive season as a whole for Jackson. The Denton, TX product is hitting .272 with 8 home runs, 38 RBI and 15 stolen bases over the course of 107 games this season. Jackson has struck out 107 times and nursed 24 walks in 427 plate appearances. Jackson has been one of the better hitters in the Mariners’ lineup over the last month. Since July 26, A-Jax is hitting .318 with 7 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs, 17 RBI and 4 stolen bases. He has posted a .353 on base percentage and slugged .481.

Jackson is a solid defender, and that facet of his game has been very valuable to the Mariners. AJ has registered 0.6 defensive wins above replacement with the M’s. He has a .989 fielding percentage in 2015, and has registered a 2.73 range factor per 9 innings. He grades out as an above average center fielder.

Jeff Kingston was promoted to General Manager this past weekend, and this transaction serves as a solid first impression for Mariners’ fans. Austin Jackson was in his final season before free agency, and the chances of him being resigned by Seattle were slim. It’s unlikely the M’s netted a top prospect in return, but at least they received something.

Multiple sources are reporting that Brad Miller will start in center field for Seattle tonight. Miller is expected to get the majority of starts in center for the remainder of the season. Crazy Legs is more well-known for playing shortstop, but he has proved himself competent in the outfield this season. It is interesting to note that Kingston believes Miller’s future will likely be in center field.

Kingston said that Miller will play CF for much of the rest of the season. Believes it's his best fit for the organization
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) August 31, 2015

I have always liked Austin Jackson, and I will miss watching him play center field in Seattle. However, I believe this trade will be best for both parties. Jackson will now get another chance play in a pennant race.

Good luck Austin, I’ll be rooting for you and the Cubbies this October!

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