The Mets announced Thursday that they’ve designated outfielder Travis Jankowski for assignment. His spot on the active roster goes to Luisangel Acuña, who has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse. The team added that right-handed reliever Austin Warren is up from Syracuse to serve as the 27th man for today’s doubleheader against the Orioles.
Jankowski has played with the Mets, Rays and White Sox this year, although his role in Queens was quite limited. New York signed him to a minor league deal on June 10 and selected him to the big league roster on June 23, but he’s only appeared in five games and taken one plate appearance since that time. He’s up to 50 plate appearances on the season between those three teams and has produced a .244/.286/.289 batting line in that time.
The veteran Jankowski has played for eight teams and now picked up more than eight years of major league service time since making his debut with the 2015 Padres. He’s never been an outfield regular, topping out at 387 plate appearances in a single season, but has carved out a lengthy career as a reserve outfielder and pinch-running/defensive specialist. Jankowski is 34 but still sits in the 95th percentile of big leaguers in terms of average sprint speed, per Statcast. He can play all three outfield positions and carries a career .236/.318/.305 batting line in 1759 plate appearances.
The Mets can trade Jankowski or place him on waivers at any point in the next five days. Waivers would require an additional 48 hours to process. If he goes unclaimed, Jankowski will have the right to reject an outright assignment to the minor leagues in favor of free agency, if he wishes to do so.
Acuña returns to the Mets after being optioned when Jankowski was originally selected, on June 23. He played in a dozen Triple-A contests and tallied 53 plate appearances, batting .289/.346/.378 in that short time. Acuña played both middle infield spots but also started four games in center field — including his past two games — during this brief Syracuse reset. He’s only played center in the majors once this year, but his recent work on the grass in Triple-A could make him a more frequent outfield contributor in his return to the big league roster.
Hopefully Acuna can hit (even a little) this time.
This guy has had more assignments than 007.
I wonder if intellectually you see it coming and accept it. It’s a nomadic experience but still a good way to make a living at 34 years of age.
I feel Travis and Billy McKinney are this year’s MLB YoYos. Up and down all year long. Obviously, they are not good enough to be on a MLB roster. Maybe they both form a band? Does anyone have any name suggestions?? Haha How about the Yo Yos.
The Traveling Jankinneys
Absolutely a great way to make a living. He probably averages close to 650K a year and if he can last 2 more year he gets over 200K a year in pension benefits plus health benefits.
They’re losing patience with Taylor being an automatic out and Acuna should start to get some of those at-bats.
Sounds that way. They certainly need an upgrade at CF. Taylor’s a 4th outfielder at best. Not sure if Acuna is the better option though. I wonder if Laureano or Tauchman would be available at the deadline.
He may not be, but in limited opportunities he’s at least showed the potential to be a real bat. Taylor is great defensively but they’re playing with an 8 man lineup when he’s in there. Tauchman would be an interesting option though, I can see that making sense
Mets need to trade Acuna and more for an ace. The time is now to take down Los Angeles. Who’s available?? Would they consider bringing back DeGrom??
DeGrom would be the best chance at a World Series championship in the next few years.
If they take on his whole salary, it will cost around $80 million a year for 2026 and 2027.
A small price to pay for Cohen’s dream.
deGrom could probably be had for relatively little prospect capital if the Mets take on the contract. Seems unlikely to me though. Maybe another old friend in Lugo?
Chris Young isn’t trading deGrom.
@horace, I’ve been thinking about Lugo too. He’d be a nice addition. DeGrom is going nowhere.
Lugo would definitely help. DeGrom would deGrominate (unless he disintegrates.)
My concern with Lugo is that he comes back to the big city and turns into a pumpkin. This place can do things to a player.
My concern with Lugo is that the Mets would need to give up a haul in order to get him.
I’m not sure how Acuna is viewed- is he enough to get an ace? Depends on money and control but I don’t think anyone sees him as a future star but could be a really nice piece.
I’m seeing that, a possible offensive upgrade over TTaylor. I don’t believe Acuna has much trade value. I like Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards. Would Miami trade one of them to the Mets, and for what player/prospects?
Jankowski is one of my favorites in a long line of Mets backup CFs/PRs. Hope he re-signs.
Jankowski is the position player version of Jose Urena this season
I’m curious how much money Jose Ureña will actually earn this year, spending so much time unsigned or in the minor.
David Stearns keeping his office busy.