Travis Jankowski
Travis Jankowski
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Travis Paul Jankowski[1] (born June 15, 1991) is an American professional baseball first base coach and former outfielder. He is currently the first base coach for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Rangers, Chicago White Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays.

Key Information

Jankowski was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He attended Stony Brook University, where he led the Seawolves to a Cinderella appearance in the 2012 College World Series after upsetting the LSU Tigers. As a junior, Jankowski led college baseball in hits, runs scored and triples. That same year, the Padres selected him in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft.

As he rose through the Padres' farm system, Jankowski developed an offensive style of play that favored base stealing. He made his MLB debut in 2015. In his first full season the following year, he led the Padres with 30 stolen bases. He missed significant time to injuries over the next few years and was traded to the Reds following the 2019 season. Jankowski served as the fourth outfielder for the Phillies in 2021 and the Mets in 2022. He had a one-game stint with the Mariners after the Mets released him midseason.

Jankowski signed with the Rangers in 2023 and led the team in stolen bases en route to the franchise's first-ever World Series championship. Following a season-ending injury to Adolis García in the World Series, Jankowski started in his place and had a multi-hit, multi-RBI showing in the Rangers' Game 4 win.

Early life

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Jankowski was born on June 15, 1991, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.[1] His mother, Kelly, played softball, while his father, Paul, was an outfielder for Indiana University of Pennsylvania.[2][3] Jankowski and his older brother, Tyler, were both coached by their father from a young age.[2] In addition to weight training before school in the morning and team practice in the afternoon, Jankowski would practice batting by hitting into a net that his father built in their basement.[3] As a Pennsylvania native, Jankowski and his family grew up supporting the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB).[4]

While attending Lancaster Catholic High School, Jankowski played on both the baseball team, as an outfielder, and on the gridiron football team, as a wide receiver.[5] He battled a series of injuries during his high school career, including a collarbone fracture, a concussion, and a sprained ankle. Nevertheless, during his junior season, Jankowski had a .471 batting average, with 25 runs scored, 20 runs batted in (RBIs), and 24 stolen bases. The Associated Press named him to the All-State First Team that season, and he helped take Lancaster Catholic to a district championship.[2]

College career

[edit]

Following his high school graduation in 2009, Jankowski committed to play college baseball at Stony Brook University on a partial athletic scholarship.[2] Jankowski's slender frame, standing at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) and 165 pounds (75 kg), made him a more appealing candidate for college baseball than football, and Stony Brook was the only NCAA Division I university to offer him a scholarship.[6] Jankowski made his college baseball debut in the second game of the Stony Brook 2010 baseball season, scoring two hits in two at bats against Akron. His first collegiate RBI came shortly afterwards, against Alabama.[7] On March 20, 2010, Jankowski scored the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of a 3–2 victory over Iona, running home on a wild pitch from Matt Petro.[8] Later that season, he scored the game-winning run in a 3–2 extra innings game against Albany.[9] Defensively, his performance in center field against North Carolina State helped take Stony Brook to its first ever NCAA tournament win.[10] Jankowski finished his freshman season with a .262 average and 20 runs in 47 games, including 23 starts. He also led the team in stolen bases, with 13 in 14 attempts.[7]

The summer between his freshman and sophomore year, Jankowski played collegiate summer baseball with the Marion Bobcats of the Kitty League. In 40 games with them, he led the league with a .484 batting average, 62 hits, and 45 stolen bases. Later in the summer, he was invited to play for the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod Baseball League. In 26 at bats with Bourne, Jankowski scored five runs for a .346 average.[11][12] He returned to Stony Brook as a sophomore in 2011, starting 53 games in center field. In 115 chances, Jankowski did not make a single error. Offensively, he set a school record for most stolen bases in one season, with 30 in 34 attempts, and he was 14th among all college baseball players in the nation for stolen bases. His .355 batting average was the second-highest in the America East Conference. At the end of the year, Jankowski was named to the All-America East First Team and the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-Northeast Region second team.[7] He was invited to rejoin the Bourne Braves in 2011, where his run production increased dramatically. Whereas Jankowski had no RBIs for the Braves in 2010, he scored 14 in the first half of the 2011 season.[13] At the end of the season, he was named the CCBL's Most Valuable Player, leading the league with 57 hits, 31 runs scored, and seven triples, and was named to the league's Hall of Fame in 2025.[14][15][16]

2012 proved to be a breakout season for Jankowski, who was named a preseason All-American by Baseball America and Perfect Game USA. Throughout the regular season, he led the nation in hits, runs scored, and triples, and was within the top 10 in batting average and stolen bases.[7] In the postseason, Jankowski served as the Seawolves' leadoff hitter during their Cinderella run to the 2012 College World Series (CWS). He scored four hits in Stony Brook's 7–2 victory over Louisiana State to take the Baton Rouge Super Regional and reach the CWS.[17] The team's run came to an end in the CWS opener, when UCLA trounced Stony Brook 9–1.[18] Nevertheless, Stony Brook coach Matt Senk was named national Coach of the Year, and Jankowski became Stony Brook's first ever, first round MLB draft pick when he was drafted 44th overall by the San Diego Padres in the supplemental first round of the 2012 MLB draft.[19] Jankowski was inducted into the Stony Brook Hall of Fame in 2017.[20]

Professional career

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San Diego Padres (2012–2019)

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Minor leagues

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Jankowski with the Lake Elsinore Storm in 2013

The San Diego Padres selected Jankowski 44th overall in the 2012 MLB draft. He was the first of four Stony Brook players selected in that year's MLB draft, and the only outfielder.[21] Jankowski, taken in the first round, was the highest MLB draft pick for the America East Conference since Carlos Peña, who attended Northeastern, was selected 10th overall in 1998.[22] He and fellow Stony Brook player Maxx Tissenbaum both signed with the team on June 27, 2012,[21][23] with Jankowski taking a signing bonus of $975,000.[24]

After signing, Jankowski was assigned to the rookie-level Arizona League Padres. After only two games, in which he went two for eight and scored four RBI, the Padres promoted Jankowski to the Single-A Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League.[25] Jankowski took some time within his rookie season of Minor League Baseball to find his stride, but began to settle into a rhythm by August, improving both his batting average and stolen base record, and he ended the regular season with a 17-game hitting streak.[26] Jankowski appeared in the postseason for the TinCaps as well, driving in two runs against Noah Syndergaard, then pitching for the Lansing Lugnuts.[27] In the second game of the Midwest League championship series against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Jankowski was hit by a pitch in his first at-bat, fracturing his rib. He attempted to stay in the game, but was replaced by Mike Gallic at the end of the inning.[28] On September 15, Jankowski was officially placed on the disabled list, effectively ending his rookie season. At the time, his hitting streak had been extended to 23 games, the longest in TinCaps history.[29] In 256 plate appearances, Jankowski batted .282 for Fort Wayne, with one home run and 23 RBI, and he stole 17 bases in 59 games.[30]

Jankowski entered the 2013 season as the Padres' No. 21 prospect, as decided by Baseball America.[31] He was assigned to the High-A Lake Elsinore Storm of the California League, where he continued to develop his base-stealing abilities. Through mid-August, Jankowski led all professional baseball players in the United States with 71 stolen bases for the season; internationally, only Freddy Guzmán, who was playing at the time for the Delfines del Carmen of the Mexican League, had more.[32] On August 18, Jankowski suffered a sprained ankle in a swimming pool, ending his season early.[33] In 556 plate appearances for Lake Elsinore, Jankowski batted .286, with one home run and 38 RBI.[30] That September, he was named a California League Postseason All-Star.[34]

The following year, Jankowski was assigned to the Double-A San Antonio Missions.[35] After a strong start to the season, hitting .254 in his first 67 at bats, Jankowski fractured his wrist by running headlong into the outfield fence while in pursuit of a fly ball.[36] He underwent surgery for the injury, which fractured his elbow as well as his wrist, and, after a series of rehab assignments, returned to San Antonio for 10 games in August.[37] Limited to only 46 minor league games in 2014, Jankowski batted .236, with 15 RBIs and 27 runs scored in 165 at bats.[30] Jankowski later admitted that he had pushed himself too hard to return to the field in 2014, and that he continued to hone his technique the following offseason so that he could enter 2015 at full strength.[38] He returned to Double-A in 2015, where he impressed manager Jamie Quirk in the outfield through a series of impressive catches, earning the nickname "Secretary of Defense".[39] In late July, after hitting .316 with 23 stolen bases, Jankowski was promoted to the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas of the Pacific Coast League. In 24 games there, he hit .392, with nine stolen bases and eight extra-base hits.[40]

Major leagues

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Ahead of the September roster expansion, the Padres called Jankowski up in mid-August, serving as both an immediate replacement for Will Venable, who had been traded to the Texas Rangers, and as a possible future center field option to replace likely trade target B. J. Upton.[41] Jankowski made his major league debut on August 22, 2015, batting ninth in the order against the St. Louis Cardinals. He singled in his first two at bats, joining John Sipin and Wiki González as the third Padre in franchise history to record hits in his first two major league plate appearances.[42] He also became the first Padre since Tony Gwynn to record two hits and an RBI in his debut game.[43] The 9–3 victory ended up becoming the Padres' 500th win at their home stadium of Petco Park.[42] Jankowski's first major league home run came the following month, knocking in three runs against the San Francisco Giants on September 13. Those would be the only runs scored by the Padres that day, in an eventual 10–3 loss.[44] In his first year in the major leagues, Jankowski batted .211 in 90 at bats, with two home runs and 12 RBIs, and stole two bases in 34 games.[45]

Jankowski with the Padres in 2016

In 2016, Jankowski was selected to the Padres' 25-man Opening Day roster out of spring training.[46] For the first part of the season, he was primarily used as a pinch hitter, with a handful of outfield appearances late in the game. After starting center fielder Jon Jay suffered a fractured forearm on June 19 when he was hit by a pitch from Gio González, Jankowski was called up from the bench to start in center field.[47] As an everyday player, he continued to impress with his frequent base-stealing. Jankowski stole home plate twice that August. First, on August 1, Wil Myers placed himself in a rundown situation as a distraction, allowing Jankowski to run home in the eighth inning of a 7–3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.[48] Then, on August 10, he broke for home in the eighth inning of a 4–0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, and was called safe when Pittsburgh catcher Eric Fryer missed the throw to home plate.[49] In addition to his base stealing, Jankowski's 24-game hitting streak between July 31 and August 26 was the longest by a Padres rookie since Roberto Alomar in 1988.[1] Jankowski batted .245 for the season in 383 plate appearances, with two home runs and 12 RBIs, and he stole 30 bases in 131 games.[45]

Going into the 2017 season, Jankowski was in competition for the center field position from prospect Manuel Margot.[50] Margot's strong spring training performance, combined with continued injuries to regular left fielder Alex Dickerson, pushed Jankowski to left field when the season opened.[51] On April 14, Jankowski took a foul pitch off of his left foot in a game against the Atlanta Braves. He played seven games after the injury, during which his batting average dropped to .160, and CT scans later revealed that the injury, which was originally believed to be a bone bruise, was actually a fracture to the navicular bone.[52] Jankowski began rehab assignments in July, and was optioned to the Chihuahuas as his recovery continued. After the conclusion of their playoff run, Jankowski was called back up to the Padres in September for their final 10 games of the season.[53] He acknowledged that the injury continued to affect him at the plate even after his return, as he doubted his ability to outrun plays with the ease that he could in years prior.[54] Making only 87 plate appearances for the Padres that year, Jankowski batted .187, with one RBI and four stolen bases in 27 games.[45]

Jankowski began the 2018 season with the Chihuahuas, but was recalled to the Padres at the end of April, after Myers suffered an oblique strain in a game against the New York Mets.[55] Jankowski, who admitted to being frustrated with his minor league assignment, made an immediate impact in the major leagues. On May 19, he went 3-for-5 against the Pirates, stealing two bases in the process, and making a diving catch in the ninth inning to end the game. Statcast predicted that the game-ending play had only a 25% chance of being caught.[56] Jankowski, who honed his batting technique with the Chihuahuas hitting coach before his call-up, became the leadoff hitter for the Padres, where he could focus on getting on base and making contact with good pitches.[57] On August 12, in a 9–3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies, Jankowski became the first Padre to steal four bases in a single game since Everth Cabrera in 2012.[58] He finished the season with a .259 average, including 4 home runs and 17 RBIs, in 387 plate appearances, as well as 24 stolen bases in 117 games.[45]

Jankowski with the Padres in 2019

During a spring training game in 2019, Jankowski suffered a fractured wrist while diving after a fly ball, and he was expected to miss three months of the season while recovering.[59] He suffered a series of setbacks after surgery, and did not return to the field until August 6. After only five days, the Padres sent him back down to El Paso, where he remained until rosters expanded on September 1.[60] Jankowski appeared in only 25 games for the Padres in 2019, batting .182 and stealing two bases.[45]

Cincinnati Reds (2020)

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On October 31, 2019, immediately after the conclusion of the MLB season, Jankowski was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for international bonus slot cash.[61] As the 2020 MLB season was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jankowski was one of 22 players sent to Prasco Park in July for additional spring training. He told reporters there that he anticipated a new extra innings rule, in which teams began with a runner on second base, would help his chances of being named to the major league roster.[62] Jankowski was named to the Reds' Opening Day roster on July 24, 2020, with plans to be used as a pinch runner in later innings.[63] After going 1-for-15 in 16 games, the Reds optioned Jankowski to their alternate training site on August 26.[64] He returned to the roster on September 30 for the postseason, and stole one base as a pinch runner in the first game of the 2020 National League Wild Card Series against the Atlanta Braves.[64][65] On October 14, Jankowski, alongside infielder Matt Davidson and relievers Jesse Biddle and Matt Bowman, were removed from the 40-man roster.[64] In 16 games for the Reds, Jankowski batted .067, with one hit and two stolen bases.[45] He elected free agency on November 2.[66]

Philadelphia Phillies (2021)

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On February 15, 2021, Jankowski signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, a deal which included an invitation to spring training.[67] On May 30, after outfielder Roman Quinn suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and was expected to miss the remainder of the 2021 MLB season, Jankowski was promoted from the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs to take his place in the roster.[68] He debuted with the team on June 4, replacing Rhys Hoskins in the ninth inning of a game against the Washington Nationals. Jankowski was caught stealing by Nationals catcher Alex Avila, a play which led to booing from Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park.[69] He used the incident to focus on improving his offensive performance, and improved to 9 hits in his first 26 at bats.[70] Jankowski hit .252/.364/.351 with one home run and 10 RBI in 76 games for Philadelphia in 2021. On November 5, 2021, Jankowski was outrighted off of the 40-man roster and elected free agency.[71]

New York Mets (2022)

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On March 17, 2022, the New York Mets signed Jankowski to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.[72] On April 6, the Mets selected Jankowski's contract, adding him to their Opening Day roster.[73] In his first start on April 9, he stole two bases against the Nationals.[74] In the Mets' home opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 15, he had a three-hit game.[75]

Jankowski served as the Mets' fourth outfielder. He broke his hand on May 25 after making a diving catch to rob San Francisco Giants catcher Joey Bart of a hit, and was placed on the injured list expected to miss 6–8 weeks.[76] On July 11, Jankowski was activated from the injured list.[77] On July 29, Jankowski was designated for assignment by the Mets.

Seattle Mariners (2022)

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On August 1, 2022, Jankowski was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners.[78] He was designated for assignment on August 5.[79] On August 9, Jankowski declined an outright assignment to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers and elected free agency.

New York Mets (2022)

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On August 13, 2022, the New York Mets re-signed Jankowski to a minor league contract. In 36 games for the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, he batted .237/.387/.298 with one home run, 6 RBI, and 15 stolen bases.[80] Jankowski elected free agency following the season on November 10.[81]

Texas Rangers (2023–2024)

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Jankowski with the Rangers in 2024

On January 27, 2023, Jankowski signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers organization.[82] On March 29, it was announced that Jankowski had made the Opening Day roster, and had his contract selected to the 40-man roster.[83]

On May 9, Jankowski was placed on the injured list with a hamstring strain.[84] He was activated on May 27.[85] Jankowski hit his only home run of the season and recorded 5 RBI against the Houston Astros on July 3.[86] Jankowski became the Rangers' strong-side platoon left fielder, batting .331 with an .850 OPS through July 19.[87] He recorded his first career RBI sacrifice fly on July 21 after 1,390 plate appearances.[88] An August slump saw Jankowski lose his starting role in September.[89] He ended the season slashing .263/.357/.332 in 287 plate appearances, played in 107 games with 63 starts and led the Rangers with 19 stolen bases.[90]

In his first career playoff at-bat, Jankowski was robbed of a home run by Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker in Game 6 of the 2023 American League Championship Series.[91] He recorded his first postseason hit, a single, the following day in Game 7.[92] Jankowski replaced starting right fielder Adolis García in Game 3 of the World Series after García suffered an oblique injury in the 8th inning.[93] García was ruled out for the series and Jankowski made his first career World Series start in Game 4 on October 31. Jankowski recorded two hits, two RBI and two runs scored while making a sliding catch that narrowly avoided colliding with Marcus Semien to end the 7th inning. The Rangers won 11–7 and The Athletic named him an "unlikely fall hero" for his efforts filling in for the Rangers' hottest playoff hitter.[94] Jankowski started Game 5 in right field again as the Rangers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks to win the franchise's first World Series championship.[95]

On January 26, 2024, Jankowski re-signed with the Rangers on a one-year, $1.7 million contract.[96][97] On March 28 against the Chicago Cubs, he hit an Opening Day pinch-hit game-tying home run in the bottom of the 9th, the 11th home run of his career.[98] On August 28, Jankowski robbed Andrew Vaughn and the Chicago White Sox of a walk-off home run in a play that topped the SportsCenter top 10.[99] Jankowski stole his 100th career base on August 31.[100] On September 26, Jankowski became the last player to bat at the Oakland Coliseum in a major league game.[101] In 104 appearances for the Rangers, he slashed .200/.266/.242 with one home run, 12 RBI, and 11 stolen bases.[102]

Chicago White Sox (2025)

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On February 21, 2025, Jankowski signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.[103] He was released by the Cubs organization on March 11. The next day, Jankowski signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox.[104] On March 27, the White Sox selected Jankowski's contract after he made the team's Opening Day roster.[105][106] In 7 appearances for Chicago, he went 3-for-14 (.214) with one walk. Jankowski was designated for assignment by the White Sox after Mike Tauchman was activated from the injured list on April 6.[107] He elected free agency after clearing waivers on April 8.[108] The next day, Jankowski re-signed with the White Sox on a minor league contract.[109] In five games for Triple-A Charlotte, he went 6-for-23 (.261) with one home run and two RBI.

Tampa Bay Rays (2025)

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On April 25, 2025, Jankowski was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays.[110] The following day, the Rays selected Jankowski's contract, adding him to their active roster.[111] In 14 appearances for Tampa Bay, he batted .258/.294/.323 with two RBI and two stolen bases. On June 4, Jankowski elected free agency after being removed from the team's 40-man roster.[112]

New York Mets (2025)

[edit]

On June 10, 2025, Jankowski signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets.[113] In eight games for the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, he went 7-for-35 (.200) with one home run, five RBI, and two stolen bases. On June 23, the Mets selected Jankowski's contract, adding him to their active roster.[114] He was designated for assignment on July 10.[115] Jankowski elected free agency after clearing waivers on July 13.[116]

Coaching career

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On November 12, 2025, it was announced that the Texas Rangers had hired Jankowski to serve as the team's first base coach.[117]

International career

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In 2015, Jankowski served as the leadoff hitter for Team USA at the Pan American Games.[37] His banner moment in the series came in the semifinal rounds against Cuba. In the ninth inning, Jankowski singled to center field, then quickly stole second base before Andy Parrino drove the run in, pushing Team USA to the finals.[118] The team ultimately took silver in the tournament.[119]

Player profile

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Jankowski has developed a batting style that favors putting balls in play rather than aiming for home runs. Critical to this process has been a better sense of pitch discipline, swinging only when he believes that he can be productive. This was seen most effectively during the 2018 season, in which he served as the Padres' leadoff hitter. After three seasons of swinging at 22 percent or more of pitches outside the strike zone, he dropped that number to 13.8 percent.[120] He has also developed a reputation as an elite base stealer, another skill that he attributes to discipline. Jankowski has watched videos of the pitchers that he faces so that he can understand how they react with a runner on base, and he uses that information to decide whether or not to attempt to steal. He is adamant that speed alone is insufficient to become a notable base stealer, and that "There are more runners in baseball than base stealers."[121]

For most of his career, Jankowski has seen heavy competition for limited outfield positions. In addition to his offensive production, he has expanded his versatility by learning how to play in all three outfield positions.[122] In 2016, while serving primarily as a relief in right field for starter Matt Kemp, Padres manager Andy Green said that "Travis has more range than 99.9 percent of all outfielders in Major League Baseball".[123] While playing in Double-A, Jankowski's strong defensive performance in center field drew comparisons to players such as Devon White and Willie Wilson, while his nickname, "Secretary of Defense", was originally held by former Phillies center fielder Garry Maddox.[39]

Personal life

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Jankowski married his wife, Lindsey, on October 27, 2017.[1] His Padres teammates Cory Spangenberg and Colin Rea served as groomsmen at the wedding.[124] The couple have two sons and one daughter together.[1] They reside in Lancaster during the offseason.[125]

Jankowski has gone by the nickname "Freddy" since his high school baseball career. The name originated from a childhood fascination with Fred Rogers, the host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.[126] While playing with the Reds in 2020, Jankowski was also frequently mistaken for retired pitcher Bronson Arroyo due to their similar frames and long blond hair.[122]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Travis Jankowski

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Travis Jankowski is an American former professional baseball outfielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2015 to 2025, known for his speed on the basepaths and defensive skills in the outfield.[1] Born on June 15, 1991, in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, Jankowski stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 195 pounds, batting left-handed and throwing right-handed.[2] Jankowski attended Stony Brook University, where he played college baseball before being selected by the San Diego Padres in the first round (44th overall) of the 2012 MLB Draft.[1] He made his MLB debut with the Padres on August 21, 2015, and spent his first five seasons there, establishing himself as a speedy center fielder who led the team with 30 stolen bases in 2016.[2] Over his career, Jankowski appeared in 706 games across eight teams, compiling a .236 batting average with 11 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 104 stolen bases.[2] Following his time with the Padres (2015–2019), Jankowski played for the Cincinnati Reds in 2020, the Philadelphia Phillies in 2021, the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners in 2022, and the Texas Rangers from 2023 to 2024, where he contributed to their World Series championship in 2023.[2] In 2025, he split time among the Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and Mets, batting .244 in 25 games before retiring at the end of the season to become the first base coach for the Texas Rangers.[1] Nicknamed "Fred," Jankowski was valued for his elite speed and Gold Glove-caliber defense, though injuries occasionally limited his playing time.[1]

Early life and amateur career

Early life and high school

Travis Jankowski was born on June 15, 1991, in Ephrata, Pennsylvania.[1] He is the son of Paul and Kelly Jankowski, with his father having played as an outfielder at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and his mother having competed in softball.[3] Jankowski grew up in the Lancaster area and attended Lancaster Catholic High School, graduating in 2009.[2] During his high school career at Lancaster Catholic, Jankowski was a standout multisport athlete, earning First Team All-State honors in both baseball and football as a senior—a rare achievement that highlighted his versatility and athletic prowess.[3] In baseball, he batted .471 during his senior season, recording 25 runs scored, 20 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases while leading the Crusaders to a district championship; his speed and defensive skills in the outfield drew early attention from college scouts.[4][5][6] Jankowski chose Stony Brook University on a partial athletic scholarship.[3]

College career

Travis Jankowski attended Stony Brook University, part of the State University of New York system, from 2010 to 2012, where he played college baseball for the Stony Brook Seawolves as an outfielder.[7] As a freshman in 2010, Jankowski appeared in 47 games, batting .262 with 27 hits, two triples, nine RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 103 at-bats, marking a transitional year as he adjusted to collegiate competition.[7][8] His performance contributed to the Seawolves' success that season, as Stony Brook won the America East Conference Tournament for the second time in three years, earning an NCAA Tournament berth before their elimination.[9] Jankowski showed significant improvement in his sophomore and junior seasons. In 2011, he batted .355 with 66 hits, seven doubles, three triples, 38 RBI, and 30 stolen bases over 54 games.[7] By his junior year in 2012, he emerged as one of the top players in NCAA Division I baseball, posting a .414 batting average with 110 hits, 18 doubles, 11 triples, 46 RBI, 79 runs scored, and 36 stolen bases in 66 games.[7][8] That season, Jankowski set seven single-season school records, including for games played (66), at-bats (266), hits (110), batting average (.414), triples (11), runs scored (79), and stolen bases (36); he also established the career record for triples with 16 and ranked fourth all-time in batting average at .366.[10] Jankowski's standout 2012 performance earned him the America East Player of the Year award, ABCA/Rawlings First-Team All-America honors, and the ABCA/Rawlings National Co-Player of the Year distinction.[10][11] He played a key role in leading Stony Brook to another America East Tournament championship, followed by victories in the Coral Gables Regional and Baton Rouge Super Regional, culminating in the program's first-ever appearance in the College World Series.[12][10] During the summers of 2010 and 2011, Jankowski gained valuable experience in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League, playing for the Bourne Braves. In 2011, he started all 44 games, batting .329 with 57 hits, six doubles, seven triples, 22 RBI, and 15 stolen bases, earning MVP honors for the league.[7][13]

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

Jankowski was selected by the San Diego Padres in the compensatory first round, 44th overall, of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft out of Stony Brook University.[14] He signed with the team on June 26 for a $975,000 bonus and was initially assigned to the rookie-level Arizona League Padres, where he made his professional debut the following day.[15][16] Hamstring issues delayed his start, but after two games in the Arizona League (.250 batting average), he was promoted to the Low-A Fort Wayne TinCaps, batting .282 with 17 stolen bases over 59 games while transitioning to an exclusive role in center field.[4][17] In 2013, Jankowski advanced to the High-A Lake Elsinore Storm of the California League, where he played 122 games, batting .286 with a league-leading 71 stolen bases and earning a spot on the California League Post-Season All-Star team.[1] He continued his progression in 2014, playing across four levels due to injury and assignments: 29 games at Double-A San Antonio Missions (.240 average, 10 stolen bases), 5 games at Lake Elsinore (.167, 1 stolen base), 8 games at rookie-level Eugene (.182, 4 stolen bases), and 4 games in the Arizona League (.429, 2 stolen bases), for an overall .236 average and 17 stolen bases in 46 games. A broken wrist limited his time at San Antonio.[17][4][8] Jankowski reached Triple-A for the first time in 2015 with the El Paso Chihuahuas, batting .392 with nine stolen bases in 24 games after starting the year at San Antonio (.316 average, 23 stolen bases in 73 games).[17][8] Over his minor league career in the Padres organization through 2015, he appeared in 326 games with a .292 batting average and 137 stolen bases, showcasing elite speed on the bases.[8]

San Diego Padres

Jankowski made his MLB debut on August 21, 2015, starting in center field for the Padres against the St. Louis Cardinals at Petco Park. Batting ninth, he went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI, including his first major league hit—a single up the middle off John Lackey in the third inning—and an RBI single in the fifth. He recorded his first MLB stolen base ten days later, on August 31 against the Texas Rangers. Over 34 games that season, Jankowski hit .211 with 2 stolen bases, primarily serving as a late-inning defensive replacement valued for his range in the outfield.[18][19][2] From 2016 to 2019, Jankowski settled into a role as the Padres' fourth outfielder and primary defensive substitute, leveraging his elite speed and glove work while platooning against left-handed pitching. Across 300 games, he batted .243 with 60 stolen bases (in 85 attempts), contributing 6 home runs and 30 RBIs, though injuries curtailed his availability. His defense, particularly in center field, drew consistent praise; in 2016, Padres manager Andy Green noted Jankowski's range covered "more ground than 99.9 percent of the guys who play the position," earning him consideration for Gold Glove honors amid 15 outfield assists and just 2 errors in 122 starts at the position.[2][20] The 2016 season marked Jankowski's breakthrough as an everyday center fielder after Jon Jay's injury in May, starting 122 games there and leading the team with 30 stolen bases while hitting .245 with 2 home runs in 131 games. Injuries limited him in 2017 to 27 games with a .187 average and 4 stolen bases, primarily due to hamstring and hand issues that sidelined him for much of the year. He rebounded in 2018 with 117 games, batting .259 and stealing 24 bases (seventh in the NL), often pinch-running or replacing in the outfield to exploit his plus speed.[20][1] In 2019, Jankowski appeared poised for a larger role but suffered a fractured right wrist on March 5 during spring training while diving for a ball, requiring surgery and approximately three months on the injured list. He returned on August 6, playing 25 games with a .182 average and 2 stolen bases before being optioned to Triple-A El Paso on September 5 amid ongoing recovery setbacks. Despite the abbreviated season, his early defensive contributions underscored his value as a versatile outfielder.[21][20] On October 31, 2019, the Padres traded Jankowski to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for international bonus pool slot money, concluding his tenure with the organization after seven seasons of development from prospect to major league contributor.[22]

Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies

Jankowski joined the Cincinnati Reds via trade from the San Diego Padres on October 31, 2019, in exchange for international bonus slot money.[23] He agreed to a one-year contract on December 2, 2019, avoiding arbitration eligibility.[1] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Major League Baseball season was shortened to 60 games, limiting Jankowski's opportunities; he appeared in 16 games as a reserve outfielder and pinch runner, batting .067 with one hit in 15 at-bats and recording two stolen bases.[2] His defensive skills in the outfield provided utility during the condensed schedule, though his offensive output was minimal.[2] Following the season, Jankowski elected free agency on November 2, 2020.[2] On February 12, 2021, Jankowski signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, including an invitation to spring training.[24] He secured a spot on the Opening Day roster as a reserve outfielder, leveraging his speed and defensive range in center and corner positions. In 76 games across the 2021 season, Jankowski batted .252 with 33 hits, six doubles, one triple, one home run, and five stolen bases, contributing 10 RBIs while drawing 22 walks.[2] His role emphasized late-inning defense and base-running, where his plus speed proved valuable in a utility capacity. Jankowski missed time in July due to a right quadriceps strain, landing on the 10-day injured list before returning in September.[25] He became a free agent again on November 5, 2021.[2]

New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, and return to Mets

Jankowski signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets on March 17, 2022, and was invited to spring training.[26] His contract was purchased by the Mets on April 6, 2022, marking his debut with the team that day.[2] He appeared in 16 games for the Mets early in the season before suffering a fractured left hand on May 26, 2022, which placed him on the injured list. Jankowski was activated from the injured list on July 11, 2022, and went on to play in 27 additional games for the Mets, primarily serving as a defensive replacement and pinch runner due to his above-average speed.[2] On July 29, 2022, the Mets designated Jankowski for assignment to clear a roster spot. He cleared waivers and was claimed by the Seattle Mariners on August 1, 2022.[27] Jankowski made one appearance with the Mariners on August 4, 2022, going 0-for-1 at the plate as a defensive substitute.[2] The Mariners released him on August 10, 2022, after designating him for assignment.[2] Jankowski returned to the Mets organization on August 16, 2022, signing another minor league contract and being assigned to Triple-A Syracuse.[1] His contract was purchased again on August 29, 2022, allowing him to rejoin the major league roster for the stretch run.[28] In limited action across his stints with both teams, Jankowski played 44 games in 2022, batting .164 (9-for-55) with no home runs, 2 RBI, and 3 stolen bases.[2] The Mets clinched a National League Wild Card spot that season, advancing to the postseason, though Jankowski did not appear in the three-game series against the San Diego Padres.

Texas Rangers

Jankowski signed a one-year major league contract worth $1.25 million with the Texas Rangers on January 27, 2023, following his election of free agency from the New York Mets.[2] He earned a spot on the Opening Day roster as a platoon outfielder, primarily serving in left and right field while providing speed and defensive versatility off the bench.[1] In 107 games during the 2023 regular season, Jankowski batted .263 with one home run, 30 RBIs, and a team-leading 19 stolen bases, contributing to the Rangers' 90-72 record and first American League West title since 2016.[2] In the postseason, Jankowski appeared in seven games across the American League Championship Series and World Series, batting .333 (3-for-9) with a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored.[2] His contributions included a multi-hit performance in Game 4 of the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, helping secure an 11-7 victory that shifted momentum toward Texas.[29] The Rangers defeated the Diamondbacks in five games to claim the franchise's first World Series championship on November 1, 2023.[1] Jankowski re-signed with the Rangers on a one-year, $1.7 million contract on January 26, 2024, prioritizing a return to the contending club despite multiyear offers elsewhere.[30] He continued in a reserve role, emphasizing his baserunning and outfield defense in 104 games, where he batted .200 with one home run, 12 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases.[2] The Rangers finished 78-84 in 2024, missing the playoffs, after which Jankowski was granted free agency on October 31.[2]

Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and return to Mets

On March 13, 2025, Jankowski signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox after opting out of a similar deal with the Chicago Cubs.[31][32] He earned a spot on the White Sox's Opening Day roster and appeared in seven games early in the season, batting .214 with three hits while primarily serving as a defensive replacement and pinch runner.[2][33] Jankowski's time with the White Sox was short-lived, as he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on April 25, 2025, in exchange for cash considerations.[34] The Rays selected his contract the following day, adding him to their active roster.[35] Over 14 games with Tampa Bay, he batted .258 with eight hits, two doubles, two stolen bases, and six runs scored, often utilized for his speed on the bases and outfield defense.[36] However, Jankowski suffered a left groin strain on May 15, 2025, landing him on the 10-day injured list.[37] Upon his return, the Rays outrighted him to Triple-A Durham on June 4, 2025; he cleared waivers and elected free agency that day.[38][17] Following his release, Jankowski signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets on June 10, 2025, returning to the organization where he had briefly played 43 games in 2022.[39][32] The Mets selected his contract from Triple-A Syracuse on June 23, 2025, calling him up to the majors.[40] In four games with the Mets, Jankowski went 0-for-0 in one plate appearance as a pinch runner and defensive substitute.[41] His stint ended on July 10, 2025, when the Mets designated him for assignment to make room for infielder Luisangel Acuña.[42][43] Jankowski cleared waivers and elected free agency on July 15, 2025.[44] Across his three teams in 2025, Jankowski appeared in 25 games, batting .244 with 11 hits, eight runs scored, and two stolen bases, emphasizing his role in pinch-running and late-inning defense amid limited offensive opportunities.[2][45] This journeyman season underscored his ongoing utility as a versatile outfielder in a league increasingly valuing speed and glove work over power.[46]

Playing style and career statistics

Playing style

Travis Jankowski primarily plays as an outfielder, excelling in center field and right field with exceptional range that covers significant ground. His defensive skills are highlighted by an above-average arm and elite speed, allowing him to track down balls in the gaps and prevent extra bases. Scouts have praised his ability to control center field, noting that batters rarely hit the ball over his head.[47][48] Jankowski's standout strengths lie in his plus-plus running speed, graded as a 65 on the 20-80 scouting scale, which has made him a constant threat on the basepaths and contributed to multiple seasons with 30-plus stolen bases in the majors. He is a contact-oriented hitter with above-average contact rates, including a career 89.3% zone-contact percentage, resulting in low strikeout totals and a patient approach at the plate. His Gold Glove-caliber defense, graded as a 70 by some evaluators, combined with his speed, positions him as a reliable late-inning replacement and pinch-runner.[47][45][49] Despite these assets, Jankowski's weaknesses include limited power, as he has rarely exceeded single-digit home runs in any season, relying instead on singles and occasional doubles for his offense. He has historically struggled against left-handed pitching, posting a .179 batting average in those matchups over his career.[50] Throughout his professional career, Jankowski has evolved from an everyday leadoff candidate valued for his on-base skills and speed to a utility role player, often deployed for defensive upgrades and baserunning situations rather than extended starting assignments.[51]

Career statistics

Jankowski has appeared in 707 Major League Baseball (MLB) games over 11 seasons from 2015 to 2025, compiling a career batting average of .236 with 366 hits, 11 home runs, 98 runs batted in (RBIs), and 104 stolen bases.[2] His Wins Above Replacement (WAR) stands at 4.1, reflecting contributions from both offense and defense.[2] The following table summarizes his regular season batting statistics by year:
YearTeamGABHHRRBISBBAWAR
2015SDP3490192122.2110.1
2016SDP1313358221230.2451.3
2017SDP277514014.187-0.2
2018SDP1173479041724.2591.2
2019SDP25224002.1820.0
2020CIN16151002.067-0.3
2021PHI76131331105.2520.5
20222TM44559023.164-0.1
2023TEX1072476513019.2631.6
2024TEX1041903811211.2000.3
20253TM264511022.244-0.3
Career70715523661198104.2364.1
[2] In postseason play, Jankowski has participated in 8 games, batting .333 (3-for-9) with 2 RBIs and 1 stolen base. His appearances include a stolen base as a pinch runner in the 2020 Wild Card Series with the Cincinnati Reds and contributions during the Texas Rangers' 2023 championship run, where he went 1-for-2 in the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros and 2-for-7 with a double and 2 RBIs in the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, starting in right field for Games 6 and 7.[2][4] Prior to his MLB debut, Jankowski played in 468 minor league games from 2012 to 2015 and select later stints, posting a .298 batting average and 184 stolen bases.[8] Defensively, Jankowski has recorded 30 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) over his career, primarily in the outfield, highlighting his value as a glove-first player.[2]

Personal life

Jankowski married Lindsey Stoltzfus on October 27, 2017.[52] They have four children: sons Bentley (born September 18, 2018), Jett, and Radleigh, and daughter Wrenlyn (born August 10, 2023).[1][53][54] As of 2025, the family resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, during the offseason.[55] Jankowski has used the nickname "Fred" since childhood. His family called him "Fred" after Fred Rogers to discourage him from watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, a show he enjoyed.[56]

References

  1. Travis Jankowski Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
  2. Travis Jankowski Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More
  3. Jankowski receives unique honor: all-state in two sports
  4. Travis Jankowski - BR Bullpen - Baseball-Reference.com
  5. Speedster Jankowski making impact with Lake Elsinore | MiLB.com
  6. [PDF] step out for - together time in style.
  7. Travis Jankowski - MLB, Minor League, College Baseball Statistics
  8. Travis Jankowski Amateur, College & Minor Leagues Statistics
  9. Cantwell, Brown Lead Baseball To America East Title
  10. Travis Jankowski (2017) - Hall of Fame - Stony Brook Athletics
  11. Seawolves Jankowski, Cantwell Enjoy Run to MLB World Series
  12. America East Champs! Baseball downs Maine to win title
  13. Jankowski named Cape League MVP - Stony Brook Athletics
  14. 1st Round of the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft
  15. Padres Sign Travis Jankowski - MLB Trade Rumors
  16. 2012 Draft Pick Database | Perfect Game USA
  17. Travis Jankowski Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
  18. Rookie puts on a show in The Show - MLB.com
  19. TEX@SD: Jankowski swipes second for first MLB steal - YouTube
  20. Travis Jankowski Career Stats - MLB - ESPN
  21. Travis Jankowski sustains broken wrist - MLB.com
  22. Reds acquire Travis Jankowski from Padres - MLB.com
  23. Reds trade for Padres outfielder Travis Jankowski - Redleg Nation
  24. Phillies Sign Travis Jankowski To Minors Contract
  25. Transactions | Philadelphia Phillies - MLB.com
  26. New York Mets 2022 Roster Transactions - ESPN
  27. Mariners Claim Travis Jankowski, Designate Danny Young
  28. https://www.ultimatemets.com/profile.php?PlayerCode=1160
  29. Travis Jankowski on returning to Rangers for 2024 - MLB.com
  30. Rangers agree to terms on one-year Major League contracts with ...
  31. Travis Jankowski opts out of Cubs deal, joins White Sox - ESPN
  32. Travis Jankowski | MLB Contracts & Salaries - Spotrac.com
  33. Jankowski Secures Spot on White Sox 2025 Opening Day Roster
  34. Travis Jankowski traded to Rays - MLB.com
  35. Rays Acquire Travis Jankowski From White Sox - MLB Trade Rumors
  36. 2025 Tampa Bay Rays Statistics | Baseball-Reference.com
  37. Travis Jankowski clears waivers with Rays, becomes free agent
  38. Travis Jankowski Elects Free Agency - MLB Trade Rumors
  39. Mets bring back Travis Jankowski on minor-league deal | amNewYork
  40. Mets' Travis Jankowski: Contract selected - CBS Sports
  41. 2025 New York Mets Statistics | Baseball-Reference.com
  42. Mets Designate Travis Jankowski For Assignment
  43. Mets call up Luisangel Acuña, DFA Travis Jankowski | Amazin' Avenue
  44. Former Mets fan favorite elects free agency following DFA
  45. 2025 Major League Baseball Standard Batting
  46. Travis Jankowski News - RotoWire
  47. Travis Jankowski - %{teamName} Right Fielder - ESPN
  48. Travis Jankowski Stats & Scouting Report - Baseball America
  49. Travis Jankowski to Padres: Video Highlights, Scouting Report an ...
  50. Cubs Sign OF Travis Jankowski to Minors Deal with Camp Invite -
  51. Travis Jankowski Vs Left Handed Pitcher | StatMuse
  52. What to expect from San Diego Padres rookie Travis Jankowski
  53. Travis Jankowski minor league baseball statistics on StatsCrew.com
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