Indians sign Austin Jackson to minor-league deal

The Indians have reached a minor-league deal with outfielder Austin Jackson, as first reported by ESPN’s Buster Olney. Jackson will receive a $1.5 million base on the deal and can earn $4 million in incentives, per FanRag’s Jon Heyman.

Jackson, who turns 30 on Feb. 1, appeared in only 54 games for the White Sox in an injury-shortened 2016, hitting .254/.318/.343 with 18 RBI. He will serve as a right-handed hitting complement to Tyler Naquin in the Indians’ outfield, serving as a replacement for new Athletic Rajai Davis.

Cleveland also has Michael Brantley, Lonnie Chisenhall and Brandon Guyer slotted into a crowded outfield mix, though Jackson appears to have a good shot at making the team. His deal includes an opt-out at the end of spring training if the Indians decide to send him to the minors, according to reports.

Jackson owns a career .272/.332/.396 slash with 55 homers in seven seasons with the Tigers (2010-14), Mariners (2014-15), Cubs (2015) and White Sox (2016). He signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the ChiSox in early March last year.