Cleveland Indians: 3 Spring Training Invitees And Their Chances of Making the Team

Austin Jackson has the easiest route to make the roster, given he plays well in March.

Indians fans may remember him best for his time with the Detroit Tigers, where he played from 2010-2014. He has had stints with the Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox since then, and is looking to become a key piece in a team’s outfield in 2017.

Jackson has the ability to fill Rajai Davis’ role this season if he can make the roster. The difference this year is that Abraham Almonte will not be suspended to start the season, thus making it harder to crack the roster.

In 2015, Jackson’s last full season, he slashed .267/.311/.385 between his time with the Mariners and the Cubs. And at only 30 years of age, there is still plenty of time for him to have a career resurgence and provide the Indians with further outfield depth.

Right now, the only shot Jackson has to make the team is if Michael Brantley starts the season on the disabled list. But that seems more likely with each passing day, as the Indians are easing Brantley back into action.

So if Jackson appears to be his old self and Brantley is not ready for April, expect the former Tigers star to make the final roster.