The Mets signed Austin Jackson two weeks ago not only to fill a role as a healthy outfielder, but also as an audition for the 2019 season. With Yoenis Cespedes, Juan Lagares and Jay Bruce all being health question marks, Jackson may be able provide some value to the Mets in 2019.
Over nine big league seasons, the free swinging Jackson is a .275 career hitter with a .737 OPS. However since joining the Mets, Jackson has looked very comfortable at the plate and is putting up some impressive numbers.
In orange and blue, Jackson has hit .459/.500/.703 with three doubles, two home runs, nine RBI’s, and has recorded multiple hits in six of the thirteen games he has appeared in. Since July 27, Jackson’s .459 batting average leads the majors and his .500 on-base percentage is tied for fifth.
However, not every aspect of Jackson’s game has been improved since the move to Queens. Defensively in centerfield, Jackson has been getting worse every year and nothing has changed in 2018. According to Fangraphs, Jackson has -12 defensive runs saved, and a -8.3 ultimate zone rating.
Although, if you ask me, Jackson has at least played a passable centerfield during his brief stint with the Mets. Don’t get me wrong Jackson has not looked like a star out there, but unlike Michael Conforto or Brandon Nimmo he is a natural centerfielder. Jackson has been a centerfielder his whole career, and certainly is a whole lot more comfortable out there.
With that being said, I do think the Mets should at least consider giving Jackson a shot as a bench piece in 2019. Jackson could serve as a nice right handed hitting complement to both Nimmo and Conforto, or could platoon with Jay Bruce in right field. Obviously he will not continue this torrid pace he is on right now, but he has shown he can still produce at the plate.
If there is a team that is willing to overpay Jackson and play him everyday the Mets should simply move on and let him walk. However if the opportunity presents itself for the Mets to sign him cheap, they should certainly consider it.
