Travis Jankowski is likely not a name that lingers in the memory of most Cincinnati Reds fans. After spending the first five years of his Major League career with the San Diego Padres, he was traded to the Reds following the 2019 season, expected to inject speed and depth into an outfield featuring Jesse Winker, Nick Senzel, and Phillip Ervin.
However, Jankowski’s first year in Cincinnati (2020) was anything but typical. The coronavirus pandemic disrupted spring training and limited the MLB season to just 60 games. He appeared in only 16 contests, had 15 at-bats, and was largely used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement in left field.
The Reds removed Jankowski from the 40-man roster after the 2020-21 offseason, but he continued to serve as a valuable backup. Over the next five seasons, he played for six different teams — the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays.
Now, it appears Jankowski’s playing days are behind him. The 34-year-old has accepted a position as first base coach for the Texas Rangers for the 2026 season, joining Skip Schumaker’s coaching staff in Arlington. Interestingly, Schumaker, a former Reds outfielder himself, was Jankowski’s first base coach back in San Diego and recently took over as Rangers manager following Bruce Bochy’s departure.
This offseason, teams around MLB have been reorganizing coaching staffs. The Reds already parted ways with longtime third base coach and catching coordinator JR House, while Brad Mills, longtime assistant to Terry Francona, retired after an extended coaching career.
Given Jankowski’s playing style — particularly his elite base-stealing ability — it’s likely the Rangers will emphasize aggressive baserunning in 2026. While Texas was tied for eighth in steals (134) in 2025, Jankowski’s influence at first base could push the team to aim for the league lead in stolen bases next season.
