Once one of the jewels in San Diego’s farm system, Travis Jankowski is returning to a team where he enjoyed some real success.
According to various reports, Jankowski has agreed to a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers. Reporter Buster Olney confirmed the deal, saying that Jankowski will earn at least $1.7 million. Those numbers could increase based on performance bonuses.
Jankowski first joined the Rangers last year as a free agent. Performing mostly as a reserve outfielder, he fit in brilliantly with the culture of the club.
The 32-year-old finished the year with a respectable .263 batting average. While he hit only one home run during the regular season, he did lead Texas with 19 stolen bases.
Having a reserve player with such an impressive singular trait is something the Rangers clearly value. Hitting .333 in the playoffs with a .844 OPS surely helped Jankowski’s cause in garnering another contract.
Jankowski has had an interesting road leading up to winning a World Series with the Rangers last season.