Texas Rangers Re-Sign Key Member Of World Champion Squad

 He started the 2023 season on a minor league contract but quicky became a key member of the World Series champion Texas Rangers, and now they've decided to re-up, as Travis Jankowski has signed a one-year deal. 

Rangers, Travis Jankowski agree to 1-year deal per GM Chris Young. pic.twitter.com/Vhzn33tbNu

— MLB (@MLB) January 26, 2024

The deal is worth $1.7 million, plus performance bonuses.  

Jankowski, 32, has spent parts of nine seasons in the major leagues. He played a huge role for the Rangers in 2023 as a fourth outfielder, spending time in all three outfield spots, and though he doesn't provide a lot of offense, stole 19 bases in 20 attempts, and had an on-base percentage of .357. He even chipped in during the World Series, going 2-for-7 with two RBIs and two runs. 

In his 9-year career, he's only reached the 100-game mark three times, including last season in Texas. The left-handed hitter's batting splits definitely make him a more likely candidate to get an occasional start against a right-hander, where he owns a .254/.343/.333 split vs. only a .186/.256/.237 slashline against righties.

Jankowski was a first-round pick of the San Diego Padres in 2012, and in 1502 career plate appearances, he's batted .241 with a .641 OPS. 

The Rangers are set in their starting outfield with Adolis Garcia, Leody Taveras and rookie Evan Carter following his breakthrough late-season push. Jankowski will continue to be used to give each of them an occasional day off, plus as a late-inning defensive replacement and pinch-runner. 

Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports