The White Sox signed Austin Jackson to a one year, $5 million contract. GM Rich Hahn stated that Jackson will be the new Sox starting center fielder.
Jackson, 29, has not been a full time starter in several seasons. Last year he hit .267, 9 HR, 48 RBI with a 1.6 WAR. His defensive WAR was 0.1. His R/fielding was +1, slightly above average.
Adam Eaton, 27, hit .87, 14 HR, 56 RBI with a 3.9 WAR. But his defensive WAR was negative 1.1. His R/fielding was a dreadful -14. Stats guys continually say that Eaton was the worst defensively center fielder in the majors. Part of the problem is Eaton's lack of arm strength, range and bad instincts in getting jumps on balls. Some speculate that Eaton will move to a corner OF spot, but those positions need a better arm. At best, he may platoon with Avi Garcia in RF if Garcia cannot turn around his offense.
For the White Sox, it was a cheap acquisition to shore up a defensive liability. It gives manager Robin Ventura more flexibility in creating lefty-righty line up cards.
