Travis Jankowski probably isn’t a name that most Cincinnati Reds fans remember. After spending the first five years of his Major League career with the San Diego Padres, he was traded to the Reds immediately following the 2019 season. Jankowski was expected to bring some speed and depth to a Reds outfield that included the likes of Jesse Winker, Nick Senzel, and Phillip Ervin.
Of course, the year after Jankowski joined the Reds (2020) was anything but normal. The coronavirus pandemic shut down spring training and the Major League season was restricted to just 60 games. Jankowski only played in 16 of those contests, received just 15 at-bats, and was little more than a pinch runner and defensive replacement in left field.
DONE DEAL: Rangers Sign 9-Year Veteran Pitcher to Rangers Nation After Turning Down Rival Offers
**Arlington, TX** – In a bold and strategic move, the Texas Rangers have officially signed a veteran right-handed pitcher with **nine years of Major League experience**, sources confirmed yesterday. The deal, which had been quietly in the works for weeks, comes after the pitcher declined multiple contract offers from a rival club, electing instead to bring his talents to *Rangers Nation*.Veteran Presence Joins the Rotation
According to team insiders, the veteran arm is known for his strong command, durability, and ability to win in high-pressure situations — qualities the Rangers’ front office values highly as they look to reinforce a pitching staff that has shown flashes but also vulnerability in recent seasons.
While the financial details of the contract have not been publicly disclosed, league sources suggest the deal is **team friendly** — with a modest base salary, performance-based incentives, and possibly an option or bonus structure tied to innings pitched or team success. This kind of structure makes sense for Texas, which has increasingly balanced its roster-building around cost efficiency and upside.
Turning Down the Competition
What makes the signing particularly notable is that this veteran pitched was reportedly **courted aggressively by a rival team**, which presented “multiple attractive offers” in an attempt to bring him in. However, the pitcher ultimately favored the Rangers’ vision.
“The Rangers made it clear I’ll be more than just a stopgap — I’m part of the long-term plan,” he said in a statement released via his agent.
> “That was a big factor in my decision.”
Insiders say the rival’s offers were short-term, high-paying deals, but lacked the long-term role and leadership opportunity that the Rangers promised.Strategic Impact for Texas
By bringing in a seasoned pitcher, the Rangers are not just adding depth — they’re acquiring a potential leader. The new signee, likely to compete for a spot in the opening-day rotation, is also expected to mentor younger arms in the organization, helping shape the next generation of Texas pitching.
The Rangers’ coaching staff has praised his work ethic and says his clubhouse presence could be just as valuable as his production on the mound.
Reaction from Rangers Nation
Rangers fans have already responded enthusiastically to the news — taking to social media to hail the move as a **statement of intent**. Many see this as a signal that Texas is serious about building out its rotation and not merely relying on their younger arms or one-year gambles.
Local beat writers are calling it a “steal,” while others say it may be the most underrated offseason move the Rangers have made thus far.
### What’s Next
With this deal now in place, the Rangers front office is expected to turn its attention to bullpen depth and possibly making another move before Spring Training. The team’s willingness to invest in veteran pitching — but do so smartly — suggests they’re striking a balance between experience and flexibility as they aim for sustained contention.
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