Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
The Mets signed Travis Jankowski to a minor league deal once again, Andy Martino of SNY reported Saturday.
Jankowski has made his way around this year, as the Mets signed him to a minor league deal back in March as well. He was assigned to Triple-A Syracuse but quickly received a call-up to the Mets on April 6. He fractured his left fourth metacarpal on May 27, which knocked him out for over a month. After a brief rehab assignment with Syracuse, he made his way back to the Mets, but less than three weeks later he was designated for assignment.
The Mariners claimed Jankowski off waivers on August 1. He had a whopping one plate appearance with Seattle before being designated for assignment again on August 5. Five days later, he was released.
Now he returns to New York, where earlier in the season he said “No one’s gonna be buying my jersey,” which prompted his teammates to all wear his jersey. He hit only .167/.286/.167 in 54 at-bats while stealing three bases. The 31-year-old is mostly a pinch-running and defensive option late in games, as his career OPS is just .629. He did, however, have his best offensive season in 2021, when he hit .252/.364/.351 with the Phillies.
Originally the 44th overall pick in the 2012 draft, Jankowski spent his first five big league seasons with the Padres. Jankowski provides some depth if Jeff McNeil or Eduardo Escobar has to go on the IL.
