PITTSBURGH — The Mets have no way to replace Yoenis Cespedes, but they finally got around to trying to fill Juan Lagares’ absence.
With Cespedes and Lagares out for the rest of season — and Jay Bruce still recovering from a hip injury — the Mets signed veteran outfielder Austin Jackson to a major league contract Friday, and designated Matt den Dekker for assignment.
Jackson, who holds a .274 lifetime average in nine seasons with six teams, is a two-time Wilson Defensive Player of the Year winner — awarded based on advanced statistics.
Though Mickey Callaway said Jackson could play each outfield spot, the 31-year-old likely will spend most of his time in center field, allowing Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto to play their more natural corner positions.