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Detroit Tigers: Travis Jankowski an Ideal Trade Target to Improve Speed, Defense

By Ben Rosener

Jun 25, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Travis Jankowski (L)) scores past Cincinnati Reds catcher Ramon Cabrera (R) during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Travis Jankowski (L)) scores past Cincinnati Reds catcher Ramon Cabrera (R) during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Umpire Scott Berry (L) calls San Diego Padres center fielder Travis Jankowski (16) safe at second base with a double ahead of a tag attempt by Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Josh Harrison (5) during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Umpire Scott Berry (L) calls San Diego Padres center fielder Travis Jankowski (16) safe at second base with a double ahead of a tag attempt by Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Josh Harrison (5) during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Scouting Report and Potential Fit

Jankowski recently enjoyed his first full season in the Major Leagues. After debuting in 2015, the 25-year-old appeared in 131 games for San Diego. Over that span he hit .245 with a .332 on-base percentage while posing a 2.1 WAR.

Other notable stats include 53 runs scored, 30 stolen bases, 13 doubles, 12 RBI, two home runs and two triples.

Among those 30 steals were not one, but two instances where the batter stole home. That’s right, Jankowski stole home twice last year. Of all outfielders with at least 300 plate appearances, the current Padre ranked 24th in the league in BsR.

He also turned in a 2.0 UBR. Ranking 24th may not seem like too much, but Jankowski’s BsR of 3.4 was higher than any Tigers player save Ian Kinsler. What’s more, the outfielder’s 2.0 UBR was equal to that of Maybin.

Jankowski’s BsR numbers would certainly help a Tigers team that isn’t the best on the base paths. Victor Martinez (-11.4), Miguel Cabrera (-10.1), James McCann (-4.0), J.D. Martinez (-3.1) and Nick Castellanos (-1.7) all posted negative numbers in the category.

While he only provided a pair of outfield assists last season, there is plenty to like about the outfielder’s defensive abilities.

Jankowski saw time at all three outfield positions with the Padres last season. Encouragingly, the rookie graded out positively in a number of defensive metrics at each spot. His ability to provide quality defense across the outfield would provide a significant boost to Detroit’s bench.

For much of last season, the team used a number of players out of position on the outfield grass. Mike Aviles and Andrew Romine both saw time in the outfield, while a pair of corner outfielders (Tyler Collins and Justin Upton) spent time in center field.

Potential Fit

In terms of a potential fit, Jankowski would be an ideal fourth outfielder and pinch-running weapon off the bench.

The Detroit Tigers could use him much in the same way Kansas City utilizes Jarrod Dyson.

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