Texas Rangers Fan Favorite Agrees to Contract with Chicago Cubs

For the second time in as many days, a member of the Texas Rangers’ 2023 World Series champions has agreed to a deal with a new team.

Travis Jankowski, who was the Rangers’ fourth outfielder for the past two seasons, agreed to a deal with the Chicago Cubs on Friday, as reported by KPRC-TV in Houston.

On Thursday, left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney agreed to a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

It’s not clear if he’s agreed to a Major League or a minor-league deal. It likely requires Jankowski to pass a physical.

Texas opted not to bring him back for a third season as the Rangers believe they have the five outfielders they need for the regular season in Adolis García, Evan Carter, Dustin Harris, Wyatt Langford and Leody Taveras. The Rangers also have two super-utility players in Josh Smith and Ezequiel Duran that can also play outfield.

Last year the left-handed hitter saw his numbers take a downturn, as he slashed .200/.266/.242/.508 with one home run — which came on opening day — and 12 RBI. He also stole 11 bases.

During the season, MLB Network’s Buck Showalter, a former MLB manager, called Jankowski the “best fourth outfielder in baseball.”

Like many of the Rangers he struggled after the franchise won its first World Series in 2023. That campaign was his first with Texas, as he signed a minor league deal with the franchise. He played well that spring but was nearly designated for assignment to start the season before an injury to center fielder Leody Taveres allowed the Rangers to keep him.

That was a boost to the Rangers, as he slashed .263/.357/.332/.689 with 12 doubles, one triple, one home run, 30 RBI, 34 runs, 42 strikeouts, 35 walks, and a team-leading 19 stolen bases.

Jankowski was a former first-round pick of the San Diego Padres in the 2012 MLB draft after he led Stony Brook to an appearance in the College Worlds Series. He made his MLB debut in 2015 with the Padres, and in 2016 he became an everyday player for the first time.

He has spent most of his career as a fourth or fifth outfielder with a lifetime slash line of .236/.319/.305/.624 with 11 home runs and 96 RBI.

The Cubs are in need of some veteran depth in their outfield after trading away Cody Bellinger and acquiring Kyle Tucker via trade.

Related Posts

🚨 MLB INSIDE RESET: The White Sox’s newly assembled coaching staff is raising quiet but serious questions across the league, as subtle hires, shifted responsibilities, and a clear change in philosophy hint at a deeper organizational reset. What looks like routine restructuring on the surface may actually signal a long term plan that hasn’t been fully explained yet — and insiders believe the real impact will only become clear once the season pressure hits.

The Chicago White Sox have finalized their coaching staff for the 2026 season following sweeping changes made at the end of September.

🚨 MLB INSIDE TRADE RUMBLINGS: The Braves are suddenly being linked to a bold trade for a $6 million NL rival left hander, a move insiders say could quietly solve multiple problems at once and even position him as a long term heir to Chris Sale. What looks like a low risk deal on paper may actually hide a far bigger plan, with Atlanta reportedly intrigued by a dynamic arsenal that hasn’t fully been unlocked yet — and the timing of this rumor is raising serious eyebrows across the league.

The Braves could go after a young star.

🚨 MLB INSIDE STORM BREWING: As hopes of an Alex Bregman return quietly fade, a new projection suggests the Red Sox may be preparing a jaw dropping $186 million swing for Bo Bichette, a move insiders believe could redefine Boston’s future in one bold stroke. What once seemed unrealistic is now gaining traction behind the scenes, and if this prediction turns real, the ripple effect could shock the AL East and completely change how this offseason is remembered.

A former MLB executive now believes that the Boston Red Sox will land coveted free agent infielder Bo Bichette from Toronto.

🚨 MLB INSIDE WHISPERS: Something big is quietly brewing behind closed doors in New York, as new projections hint the Yankees may be lining up an elite shortstop signing that goes far beyond a normal free-agency move. What started as a low-key prediction is now being viewed as a potential power shift, with insiders suggesting this decision could redefine the Yankees’ identity and force the entire American League to adjust sooner than expected.

The New York Yankees haven’t done much during the offseason, but MLB rumors continue to swirl. New York has been […]

Cubs Predicted To Land Marquee Free Agent Starting Pitcher On Six-Year Contract

The Cubs are in the market for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, and David Schoenfield of ESPN predicted them to land Framber Valdez, previously of the Houston Astros.

🚨 INSIDE NFL REVELATION: The Packers reportedly had a stunning opportunity to sign an all time great for just $5 million, yet chose to walk away without even making a free agent offer — a quiet decision that is now raising serious questions inside the fanbase and league circles alike. What seemed insignificant at the time is suddenly being revisited as a potential turning point, with insiders suggesting this missed move could have changed far more than anyone realized.

Green Bay missed an opportunity.