Ryan Jackson

Jackson battled a wrist injury in spring training, and the ailment eventually required him to undergo surgery in June. He played in just 11 games last season -- his only one as a member of the San Diego organization -- and Jackson was claimed off waivers by the Dodgers in November before getting traded to Kansas City. The Royals will give him a chance to earn a reserve role in spring training, as Jackson has proven to be a quality defender with steady on-base skills -- including a .278/.352/.346 line and a 9-for-9 mark as a basestealer with the Cardinals in 2013 -- but he may have to beat out former first-round pick Christian Colon to serve as the team's primary utility option. Even if injuries pave the way for Jackson to see a temporary run of everyday at-bats, the offensive tools are too light to get excited about.

Jackson will try to catch on with the Astros after getting into just 20 games over the last two seasons with the Cardinals. He has put solid numbers up in his time at Triple-A, posting a .278 average and stealing nine bases, but showing little power. The Cardinals gave him some brief opportunities at the MLB level, but he failed to impress each time. Jackson will attempt to reignite his chances as a major league player in a rebuilding San Diego organization, but his glove could lead him to playing time in the middle infield, at least when the Padres face a left-handed starter.

Jackson finally made the majors in 2012, hitting two singles in 17 at-bats, but the rest of the year was spent with Triple-A Memphis, where the only noteworthy number - and this is pushing it - was the 43 walks in 117 games. Jackson probably has a glove ready for the big leagues, but his .749 OPS at Double-A Springfield in 2011 is the best number of his professional career. He looks like a future utilityman.

Jackson tore up the AFL last year, hitting .342/.438/.500 in 76 at-bats. He already has an impressive glove, but if he can add hitting to his repertoire he could rise through the ranks pretty quickly, especially with the Redbirds being rather thin at shortstop organizationally.