Cleveland Indians lose another free agent as Austin Jackson signs twoyear deal with Giants

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Add another name to the list of departed free agents from the roster that helped the Indians win 102 games last season.

Monday night the Giants announced that they'd signed veteran outfielder Austin Jackson to a two-year deal worth $6 million. Jackson, who missed most of the 2016 season because of a left knee injury, revived his career last season with the Tribe after coming to camp on a minor league deal.

Jackson, playing mostly against left-handers, hit .318 (89-for-280) with 19 doubles, seven homers and 35 RBI. He played 85 games, made two trips to the disabled list, and posted a .869 OPS.

He also made thedefensive play of the season when he robbed Boston's Hanley Ramirez of a home run by soaring above and then over the five-foot bullpen fence in right center field at Fenway Park on Aug. 1.

The Giants just acquired outfielder Andrew McCutchen from the Pirates. Earlier in the winter they acquired third baseman Evan Longoria from the Rays. Jackson is expected to see playing time at all three outfield spots.

The Indians had seven players from their big league roster hit the free agent market at the end of last season:Carlos Santana, Bryan Shaw, Joe Smith, Jay Bruce, Boone Logan, Craig Breslow and Jackson. They have all signed elsewhere with the exception of Breslow, who is still on the market.

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