Giants sign Jackson to play centre field

Centre fielder Austin Jackson agreed to terms on a $6-million, two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants on Monday, filling the club’s top remaining void just a few weeks before pitchers and catchers report to spring training.

San Francisco announced the acquisition Monday, just a week after the Giants traded for right fielder Andrew McCutchen.

Jackson will earn $3 million per season, two people with knowledge of the contract told the Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because no terms were announced. Jackson could also earn up to $2.5 million in bonuses.

San Francisco finished a surprising last in the NL West in 2017 and was seeking an offence-producing centre fielder who also plays stellar defence.

“He is a talented and versatile player who will strengthen our roster and provide additional depth at all three outfield positions,” general manager Bobby Evans said.

Jackson, who turns 31 on Feb. 1, batted .318 with seven homers and 35 RBIs in 85 games for Cleveland last season. He will join manager Bruce Bochy’s new-look lineup that includes McCutchen, acquired in a trade from Pittsburgh last week to replace the departed Denard Span. Span was traded to Tampa Bay last month in a swap that brought new third baseman Evan Longoria to the Giants.

With McCutchen and Jackson now in the fold, Bochy spoke to Hunter Pence about a move from right field to left — setting the starting outfield with a veteran threesome.