Cleveland Indians: 5 Position Players with the Most to Prove this Spring

Austin Jackson

The third outfielder to make the list, newcomer Austin Jackson, has the most to prove.

The 30-year-old Jackson is coming off a 2016 that saw him appear in 54 games for the Chicago White Sox. He produced a solid .254/.318/.343 slash line.

Jackson spent over four-and-a-half seasons with the Detroit Tigers to begin his career, so the American League Central is no stranger to him.

Jackson has spent the majority of his career as a center fielder, but saw 22 games in right field in 2015 and four games in left field last season. With Almonte and Naquin manning center field, Jackson will most likely have to set up shop elsewhere.

With Brantley’s return still unclear, Jackson translates best as a left fielder. Even when Brantley does return, Jackson can provide depth behind the All-Star.

With outfield prospects Zimmer and Allen on the cusp of the big leagues, Jackson might not make the entire season as an Indian. If he struggles, his time with the team could be short.

However, if Jackson can prove he is still a solid MLB outfielder and can still produce at the plate, he could hang around. But he is going to have to prove that he is an asset to the team and not just veteran depth.