Former Padres first-round pick retires into surprise coaching role with Rangers

Remember Travis Jankowski? Fresh off an unprecedented run as the star of a 2012 Stony Brook team that went to the College World Series, the speedy outfielder was drafted in the first round by the San Diego Padres.

He would make his MLB debut with the Friars in 2015, and he was loved by the fans in an instant. He posted five hits and three RBIs in his first three MLB games, which was just the start of a respectable pro career.

Somehow, in an instant, 11 seasons went by. Jankowski played for eight different teams, and then retired after the 2025 campaign. Luckily though, Jankowski will remain in baseball, but this time as a coach. Fresh off his retirement, the Texas Rangers hired Jankowski to be their first base coach for the 2026 season.

Former Padre Travis Jankowski hired by Rangers as first base coach following retirement

Jankowski played his final game on July 8 as a New York Met. He played his first five seasons in San Diego, where he batted .241 with 62 stolen bases and above-average defense.

Joining Skip Schumaker's staff as the first base coach is the perfect poisition for Jankowski. Even at 34 years old, his sprint speed was in the 94th percentile. The speed was always there, but he was a very good baserunner, too. He was thrown out only four times in his career, all while providing baserunning run in the positives across nine years.

His experience, speed, and baserunning know-how should help elevate a Rangers team that took a major dip in production last year. They scored the 22nd-most runs in MLB in 2025 after being third in 2023 and 18th in 2024.

This could have also been a good hire for the Padres as they welcome a new coaching staff to the organization. New manager is already pressing the right buttons by hailing Ruben Niebla as a cornerstone of the team, so it seemed like the club's priorities weren't aligned with getting Jankowski on board. Regardless, we're happy to see Jankowski remaining in Major League Baseball.

The Padres will run into Jankowski in Texas this upcoming season from June 19-21.