Trade Deadline Failures: Outfielder Austin Jackson

For the Kendrys Morales edition of the 2014 Trade Deadline Failures, click this link)

On September 27th Austin Jackson was mauled by Chris Taylor for delivering the game-winning RBI in the 11th inning of a must-win game against the Los Angeles Angels. The Seattle Mariners won 2-1 and their playoff hopes were kept alive at least one more day.

Austin Jackson was the game-winning hero that day, even though he went 0-for-5 and drove in the winning run on a legged-out fielder’s choice.

It was July 31 and the trade deadline was fast approaching when the Mariners were a part of a three-team deal that included David Price. Much to the chagrin of M’s fans, David Price was going to the Detroit Tigers. Rumors swirled as to whom the Mariners traded, and when it was revealed that it was Nick Franklin and Franklin alone, most Mariners fans and writers considered the trade a good one.

I was no exception. Jackson– in theory– provided solid centerfield defense to go with good offense numbers. He was also intended to fill the void of the leadoff spot.

In his 54 games played as a Seattle Mariner in 2014, Austin Jackson batted .229/.267/.260 with 0 home runs, 14 RBI, 12 walks and 59 strikeouts in 223 at-bats. He did, however, steal 11 bases in 13 attempts.

Austin Jackson replaced James Jones who had replaced Abraham Almonte earlier in the season. Jackson was supposed to provide plus defense– which he did– while also taking a more adept and professional approach at the plate.

This is something he did not do.

His .267 OBP was 16th among the 25 position players to take at-bats for the Mariners over the course of the 2014 season. Both Corey Hart and Justin Smoak got on base more than Jackson. Moreover, the leadoff spot in the lineup was one of the weakest for the Mariners along with the designated hitter position.

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