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.
The Reds dropped Jankowski from the 40-man roster during the 2020-21 offseason and he went on to serve a quality backup. He played five more seasons in the big leagues while suiting up for six different organizations including the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays
Former Reds outfielder Travis Jankowski joins Rangers coaching staff
It would seem, however, that Jankowski’s playing career is now in the rearview mirror. The 34-year-old just accepted a job to be the first base coach for the Texas Rangers during the 2026 season, and will now be part of Skip Schumaker’s staff in Arlington. Schumaker, a former Reds outfielder in his own right, took over as the manager of the Rangers after Bruce Bochy left earlier this offseason. The new Rangers skipper was actually Jankowski’s first base coach in San Diego.
This is the time of year when teams across baseball are looking to reorganize their coaching staffs. Reds fans already saw Cincinnati part ways with longtime third base coach and catching coordinator JR House. Terry Francona’s right-hand man Brad Mills also hung his spikes this offseason, retiring from coaching after a long tenure alongside Tito in the dugout.
Knowing how Jankowski operated as a player — oftentimes using his elite speed to swipe bases — it’s a good bet that the Rangers might look to run early and often in 2026. The Rangers were tied for the eighth most steals (134) in 2025, but Jankowski might have them gunning for No. 1 when he’s calling the shots at first base next season.
Leave a Reply