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Rangers Sign Travis Jankowski To One-Year Deal

By Steve Adams | January 26, 2024 at 4:50pm CDT

The Rangers announced the signing of outfielder Travis Jankowski to a one-year major league deal. He is reportedly guaranteed $1.7MM on a deal that also includes unspecified performance bonuses.

Jankowski, 32, parlayed a minor league deal with the Rangers last offseason into a role of significance on their World Series-winning roster. The veteran speedster appeared in 107 games for Texas and hit .263/.357/.332 with a 12.2% walk rate and just a 14.6% strikeout rate. Jankowski connected on only one homer but went 19-for-20 in stolen bases and provided the Rangers with above-average defense in all three outfield positions, becoming a key backup on a deep Texas roster.

That marked the first time since 2018 that Jankowski had reached 100 games played or 200 plate appearances in a season. While he’s appeared in the majors every year dating back to 2015, he’s been an oft-optioned and twice-DFA’ed player who hasn’t always held a firm grip on a roster spot. Last year’s impressive blend of speed, plate discipline, contact and defense clearly made a favorable impression on the Rangers, however, and it seems he’ll have an opportunity to reprise that role in 2024.

The Texas outfield won’t have much change in 2024 when compared to the end of the 2023 season. Star right fielder Adolis Garcia will look to build on last year’s 39-homer campaign. Leody Taveras is expected to return as the primary center fielder. Top prospect Evan Carter seized the left field job with a big showing late in the season and, particularly, in the playoffs. If any of that trio struggles or falls to injury, 2023 No. 4 overall pick Wyatt Langford is on the cusp of big league readiness himself. Langford will get a chance to earn an Opening Day roster spot this spring, and if he succeeds in doing so, he could form an outfield/DH rotation with the other three starting outfielders.

Jankowski will once again serve as a backup across all three spots, providing the potential for a late-game defensive replacement or pinch-running appearance on any given day. As a career .254/.343/.333 hitter against righties with just a .186/.256/.237 slash against lefties, any starts for Jankowski will likely be limited to those against right-handed opponent on the mound. The emergence of Carter and perhaps Langford could leave him with a more limited role than he saw in ’23, but Jankowski has the makings of a valuable bench piece who could step into a more prominent role for a short term, should injuries necessitate (as was the case with Garcia during the World Series).

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News first reported the Rangers and Jankowski were discussing a reunion. ESPN’s Buster Olney reported the $1.7MM guarantee and the inclusion of performance bonuses.

Image courtesy of USA Today Sports.

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77 Comments

  1. BaseballBrewTown

    1 year ago

    Wow

    2
    Reply
    • roob

      1 year ago

      Jankowski woukd be the 2nd best outfielder on the White Sox. No joke.

      Reply
      • Eatdust666

        1 year ago

        And he also would’ve been the 2nd best outfielder on the Yankees last year, cannot count Dominguez even though he did do well when he played (small sample size of 8 games and 31 at bats).

        Reply
    • Mike 97

      1 year ago

      Why is every first post a “wow” like some NPC or bot?

      5
      Reply
      • golfbrora

        1 year ago

        Maybe it’s Owen Wilson?

        1
        Reply
      • CeruleanDrew

        1 year ago

        Mike, it’s symptomatic of a troll with serious creative limitations.

        Reply
  2. bjhaas1977

    1 year ago

    So glad this guy got a ring. Great clubhouse Dude.

    9
    Reply
    • rememberthecoop

      1 year ago

      How do you know that? In mean, he seems like he is, but I keep reading how this guy is a good dude, that guy is great in the clubhouse, etc., but unless you’re on the team or with the media, how do any of us really know for sure?

      1
      Reply
    • Kruk it

      1 year ago

      Hope he keeps doing well Stony Brook boy

      Reply
  3. Waymann

    1 year ago

    “1 Response/1 comment is hidden because you muted the comment author”.

    Truth be told, part of me does wonder what type of tremendously original and funny joke I’m missing out on.

    10
    Reply
    • Gwynning

      1 year ago

      Just a “Wow” from a nobody. Nothing to see here…
      Lol

      12
      Reply
      • BaseballBrewTown

        1 year ago

        Wow…. Why would you call me a nobody? I would say that hurts, but…. but… but…. O.K. I have recovered now. I will go back to wowing.

        4
        Reply
    • Rocker49

      1 year ago

      Usually the dumb comments are from DeGrom Texas Moron.

      9
      Reply
      • Waymann

        1 year ago

        @Rocker Oh, that dude is definitely muted on my end lol.

        2
        Reply
      • sippycups

        1 year ago

        okay, so I’m not the only one that feels that way.

        3
        Reply
      • baseball lifer

        1 year ago

        Could not agree more. He is a disgrace to Rangers fans….

        2
        Reply
    • Old York

      1 year ago

      @Waymann

      It’s kind of odd. I don’t mute people but every once in a while, that message will show up. Does the site just mass mute users that they know are trolling?

      Reply
      • deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger

        1 year ago

        It mutes guys you have personally blocked, as well as follow up messages to those from users you blocked.

        Reply
        • Old York

          1 year ago

          @deGrom/Kershaw Texas Ranger

          I get that but I don’t mute users so it’s kind of weird.

          1
          Reply
        • deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger

          1 year ago

          People are so easily-offended on the internet.

          1
          Reply
        • Joe says...

          1 year ago

          deGrom it isn’t about being offended though that excuse gets thrown around a lot.
          It’s about knowing that someone is nothing but a troll and will have nothing worth saying.
          And trolling is ok if the troll is original and funny. Mostly they’re just attention seeking idiots.

          6
          Reply
        • Ghost Pepper

          1 year ago

          I check in to comments and get “ you’ve muted someone “. I unmute them at my profile page right away because it happens by accident.

          1
          Reply
        • dave 2

          1 year ago

          You must have butt muted someone.

          3
          Reply
    • Wire to wire 2024

      1 year ago

      How do you unmute someone cause I apparently have done it on accident lol

      1
      Reply
      • Joe says...

        1 year ago

        Go to your profile

        Reply
  4. Gwynning

    1 year ago

    Just a friendly reminder- if your best summation of an event is “Wow” or you like to argue with yourself through your many screen names, then you will be blocked from my existence. Talk ball, or at least bring a cool story or funny joke to the table.

    Was hoping Jank could come back and help my Pads… perhaps I should just prepare myself to accept A-A-Ron Hicks and Dom Smith to the team now.

    14
    Reply
    • Simm

      1 year ago

      Yeah he was year contender for an inexpensive center fielder. Starting to really wonder what the padres plan is at center. Hicks or Taylor? Pickings are getting thin.

      4
      Reply
      • Fred

        1 year ago

        Put Tatis in center.

        Reply
        • Simm

          1 year ago

          That doesn’t solve anything

          3
          Reply
        • Fred

          1 year ago

          His defense is on par with Julio Rodriguez and he’s a waste to leave at a corner outfield spot.

          blogs.fangraphs.com/fernando-tatis-jr-s-defensive-…

          Reply
        • Simm

          1 year ago

          They don’t have a right fielder and he likes right. So minus a game here and there he will stay in right.

          2
          Reply
        • Javia135

          1 year ago

          Platinum glove means that Fernando Tatis was the best defensive player in the NL, at any position. He did that in RF, which is very large in Petco Park. His arm is also in the 99th percentile, which is extremely useful in RF and less so in CF.

          4
          Reply
      • Javia135

        1 year ago

        A platoon of Jank and sugar in CF could actually give the Padres reasonable offense and excellent defense in CF, and for a cheap price. I don’t see how the Padres expect to fill that hole better or more cheaply.

        3
        Reply
    • truthlemonade

      1 year ago

      The Padres better do something. I have resigned myself to the idea of resigning Jurickson Profar.

      Yeah, and the people who just say “Wow,” are dumb. I hate seeing 200 comments, and half of them are “OMG” or “Wow.”

      3
      Reply
      • Gwynning

        1 year ago

        Kids nowadays, I tells ya lemonade… now get off my lawn! Scram, lumpy!

        Reply
    • Blackpink in the area

      1 year ago

      Yeah Jankowski made a lot of sense. Gallo made some sense. The Padres need lefty bats and there aren’t a ton of them left. David Peralta makes sense but not a lot of defensive value there.

      2
      Reply
    • Scream_name

      1 year ago

      Was thinking the Padres might re-sign him, but it’s difficult to say what AJ’s plan is. Outfield being just one area of concern. My brother and I are both thinking that the Pads may be punting on this season.

      Reply
      • Fred

        1 year ago

        What gave you that idea? Trading Soto for league average prospects?

        Reply
    • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

      1 year ago

      You’re asking for the moon, Gwynning. Hicks & Dom Smith are out of AJ’s price bracket. I would look into Jake Bauers, probably DFA’d by Milwaukee soon cuz of Hoskins. Also I would look at Interntional and Mexican League guys. AJ may find a late bloomer.

      Reply
  5. dudeman40

    1 year ago

    With Langford and Duran in the mix – wonder if this could preclude a trade of Leody?

    3
    Reply
    • Gwynning

      1 year ago

      How much for the Taveras in the window?

      3
      Reply
      • deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger

        1 year ago

        Give Texas a solid reliever for him, and I’d be thrilled.

        3
        Reply
    • CaseyAbell

      1 year ago

      Was thinking the same thing. I don’t know that Taveras would get a lot in a trade. But if Langford makes the team and rakes, I bet Leody is out of town for, you guessed it, more pitching. Chris Young really can’t have enough pitching.

      2
      Reply
      • Gwynning

        1 year ago

        That’s the thing, Casey and d/K. He won’t net much. I suppose we could offer a low-level Pen arm lottery ticket-type candidate. Taveras is an 85 ERA+ player for his career. Is he getting better? Nobody knows, but he could help SD in a pinch.

        Reply
        • Gwynning

          1 year ago

          Helps with your 40 Man sitch, too.

          Reply
        • Go Go Power Rangers

          1 year ago

          CY won’t even think of trading Leody until mid season at the earliest and even then it’s unlikely. If Langford makes the club he’ll be rotated between the outfield spots and DH.

          1
          Reply
    • rangers13

      1 year ago

      I have been thinking the same thing. When Duffy was picked up yesterday that essentially made it superfluous, to have Smith, Duran, and Foscue all present as though they do it in different ways they perform the same function as Duffy, so 1-2 of them, and Taveras, Burke, or Hernandez, I can see as pieces of trades, perhaps with Marlins for Puk/Cabrera/Scott or Clev for Bieber/Clase. Add Monty, find some way to move Heaney to help clear some salary, and pick up Clase or Puk and the whole look of this team changes

      3
      Reply
      • scooper16

        1 year ago

        Duran, Garcia and Huff/Hicks for Luzardo and Nardi? It paves the way for Langford to start. And gives Miami what they need – a shortstop, a big bat and a young catcher

        Reply
        • rangers13

          1 year ago

          Huff and Duran make sense and insert Walcott and A Ortiz for Garcia for Luzardo/Cabrera/Garrett + Puk and you might get both teams talking. Seager is the star, Carter the hope of the team, but Garcia is the heart and soul of this club.

          2
          Reply
        • deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger

          1 year ago

          Garcia is way too much.

          1
          Reply
  6. 88 Brooklyn Dodgers

    1 year ago

    Add Trevor Bauer and it will be a guaranteed World Series title.

    6
    Reply
    • deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger

      1 year ago

      But, would “womyn” watch anymore?

      3
      Reply
  7. The Big Yo

    1 year ago

    Well deserved. Nice under the radar dealing

    1
    Reply
  8. Clofreesz

    1 year ago

    I would love him as a bench bat. He’s a solid player.

    Reply
  9. deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger

    1 year ago

    I don’t get why they traded a guy to clear space on the roster whonwas younger and better (JPM) unless they really really wanted that reliever from Atlanta. Tgey would probably be paying more for this guy. I hope they don’t waste their remaining budget on him vs salary for a traded reliever or starter. Bieber/Burnes/Cease would still get paid money, even though they aren’t free agents.

    1
    Reply
  10. Silver Boot Series Enjoyer

    1 year ago

    Why does everyone want to trade Leody?? He’s still young and a premier defender

    2
    Reply
  11. Jeff Zanghi

    1 year ago

    Guys like this always interest me. Like other than his rookie season, every year he’s gotten more than 75 PA he’s been quite good. Hitting .250-.260 with an OBP around 100 points higher plus 20 or so SBs despite limited time. It just seems weird that he goes from a very productive OF to AAAA for 3 years then when he gets another chance… surprise… he’s still a good player… haha idk… just seems like there are so many guys out there who put up significantly less impressive stats and get more playing time on bad teams etc. Maybe it’s tanking, maybe it’s luck of the draw whether he’s good or bad idk. But a CF capable OF who can get on base at a .350 clip and steal 30+ bases seems like something teams should be interested in.

    2
    Reply
    • Blackpink in the area

      1 year ago

      The term AAAA is kind of lame. If you are good enough to be a star at AAA there is a really good chance you can ride the bench in the big leagues.

      1
      Reply
      • Oddball Hererra

        1 year ago

        Depends. If you are an elite defender like this guy you can usually find your way to a bench spot. Bat first guys though have a lot of trouble

        1
        Reply
  12. Dubbs

    1 year ago

    Fear The Jank

    Reply
  13. scooper16

    1 year ago

    Just throwing this out there…. Duran, Garcia and Huff for Luzardo and Nardi.

    1
    Reply
    • deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger

      1 year ago

      If by Garcia, you mean Adolis, that’s way too much.

      1
      Reply
  14. MLB Top 100 Commenter

    1 year ago

    Rangers had to keep pace with Astros for having a big hair guy, Travis offsets Josh.

    2
    Reply
    • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

      1 year ago

      Rangers can double down by signing Ryne Stanek. Hair for days.

      Reply
  15. bhambrave

    1 year ago

    Trade another one of your older-but-decent non-prospects to the Braves for a lottery pick to free up a 40 spot. Works for both teams.

    1
    Reply
  16. Oddball Hererra

    1 year ago

    I have my pitchforks and torches ready for any move that smells like blocking Langford. Just a warning

    4
    Reply
  17. Mikenmn

    1 year ago

    Anyone know the answer to this? Player A is a free agent outfielder, and wants to play with the Rangers. Rangers don’t have room on their 40, but value A and they agree on a $5M contract on March 15.–but don’t “announce” it because of roster considerations.. A sees other, like-kind players flying off the board, remains in this unsigned limbo. Heim injures his hammy in Spring Training , may be out until first week in April. Houston needs a catcher-backup, but doesn’t want to burn a 40 for what might be only a week. Can Houston sign Player A to a $5M minor league contract and stash him there

    1
    Reply
    • Gwynning

      1 year ago

      Depends on how far along A and the Rangers got. If it’s a handshake and a wink type deal, than A is technically still a Free Agent. If A signed a contract but the team is still working on their “announcement” then no, A cannot be signed by any other team or traded for the first half-ish of the new season.

      Reply
  18. User 4095290658

    1 year ago

    Which teams other than the Pirates and Padres are still looking for a good def CF?

    Michael A Taylor would be ideal for the Bucs as a platoon for either/or Suwinski & Bae, but from what I’ve read, Pillar and Hicks are not really an upgrade defensively anymore.

    Reply
  19. sippycups

    1 year ago

    yeesss! bring Janki back!

    1
    Reply
  20. preauto

    1 year ago

    This pleases me

    Reply
  21. Dalman21

    1 year ago

    Obviously Langford is on the way, but after that Julio
    Pablo Martinez who was just traded was quite high on the depth chart after those certain to make the opening day roster. The JPM deal makes a lot more sense if the expectation is that this deal comes to fruition.

    Relatedly, not that Jankowski in any way blocks Langford, but it at least provides a way to fill out the opening day roster if a decision is made to give Langford a little more time in AAA.

    1
    Reply
  22. User 1855579867

    1 year ago

    Throw in a haircut as part of the deal.

    Reply
  23. Gentlemanbob

    1 year ago

    Excellent signing. Jankowski adds needed depth providing + OF defense, steady bat and speed on the bases.

    Reply
  24. Edp007

    1 year ago

    Jankowski has come a long way.
    There was a time when any thread involving him would always mention his wife first.
    Now not a sniff.
    Guess he’s a ball player now.

    Reply
    • User 4095290658

      1 year ago

      Long blond hair and a beautiful pearl white smile… no wonder his wife never gets a mention.

      1
      Reply
  25. MLBTR needs to hire editors

    1 year ago

    You suck, Adams. “Particularly” shouldn’t have two commas around it. Take some writing classes, you hack.

    Reply

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