TEMPE, Ariz. -- Michael Saunders wasn't the only outfielder the Angels nearly acquired in recent days. They also made a run at Austin Jackson, a lifelong center fielder who would've factored into a left-field platoon, a source with knowledge of the situation told MLB.com.
The Angels offered Jackson a one-year deal believed to be in the neighborhood of $5 million or $6 million, but Jackson's camp, headed by aggressive agent Scott Boras, sought more money. So the Angels moved on, and now, barring a turn of events, it appears they'll stick with what they have until Opening Day.
Daniel Nava and Craig Gentry look primed to make up a left-field platoon, with Ji-Man Choi, Todd Cunningham and Rafael Ortega also competing for playing time.
• Angels depth chart
A Jackson signing would've put the Angels over the $189 million luxury-tax threshold, which they're currently about $2 million to $3 million below.
Jackson, 29, is a .273/.333/.399 hitter in his six-year career, with 55 homers and 106 stolen bases in 860 games. He came up with the Tigers and spent last year with the Mariners and Cubs, batting .267/.311/.385. Jackson is a right-handed hitter and would've platooned with Nava, who has a good track record against right-handed pitching.
The Angels were previously set to acquire Saunders in a three-team deal with the Blue Jays and Reds, one that would've sent Jay Bruce to Toronto. The deal was reportedly squashed at the final hour due to medical concerns regarding one of the players involved.