HOUSTON — The Chicago Cubs acquired outfielder Austin Jackson from the Seattle Mariners on Monday, boosting their depth for their run at a possible playoff spot.
The Cubs sent a player to be named and an international draft slot to the Mariners. The Cubs, who also got cash back in the deal, then designated infielder Mike Olt for assignment to make room on the roster for Jackson.
Because the deal was made before Sept. 1, Jackson will be eligible for the postseason if the Cubs get that far. They began the day with a 5 1/2-game lead over the San Francisco Giants for the second NL wild card.
“Austin Jackson — I’ve seen him for a long time in the American League. He’s a really good player,” said manager Joe Maddon, who is in his first year with the Cubs after a long run with the Tampa Bay Rays. “When he starts swinging the bat well, he’s very productive, fine outfielder, good baserunner, stolen bases. (He’s) kind of a complete player, so to be able to pick him up right now, we’re very fortunate.”
Jackson had been set to lead off and play center field Monday night at Houston. He was scratched more than an hour before gametime.
Jackson, 28, was traded from the Detroit Tigers to the Mariners in July 2014. He was hitting .272 with eight homers and 38 RBIs in 107 games this season.
The Cubs placed right fielder Jorge Soler on the disabled list Aug. 24 with a strained left oblique, and center fielder Dexter Fowler has been banged up. Jackson also could help improve the Cubs’ defense, maybe as a late-inning replacement in left for Kyle Schwarber.
“Just with the depth component, you never know what’s going to happen during the course of the next month,” Maddon said.
Thumbnail photo via Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports Images
