Former outfielder Travis Jankowski joins the Texas Rangers as their first-base coach, reuniting with manager Skip Schumaker to mentor the next generation of Rangers baseball.
After more than a decade spent patrolling big league outfields, Travis Jankowski is stepping into a new role with a familiar organization. The veteran outfielder, who suited up for the Rangers during their 2023 and 2024 seasons—including their breakthrough World Series championship run—has officially joined Texas’ 2026 staff as the club’s new first-base coach under recently hired manager Skip Schumaker.
Jankowski’s playing career came to an end earlier this year, with his final appearance occurring on July 8 as a member of the Mets. That game quietly closed the book on an 11-year MLB journey during which he suited up for eight different teams, contributed as a dependable defender, and developed a reputation for strong clubhouse presence. After bouncing around the waiver wire in 2025, the 34-year-old finally decided it was time to consider the next chapter.
The idea of coaching didn’t materialize overnight. Jankowski first felt the pull toward mentorship back in 2021, while stationed at the Phillies’ alternate training site. Surrounded by developing players, he naturally gravitated toward helping younger outfielders like Mickey Moniak and Nick Maton refine their technique and approach. That experience planted a seed he wouldn’t revisit seriously until years later.
His relationship with Schumaker, however, stretches back even further. The two first connected during Spring Training in 2016 while both were with the Padres. Despite moving on to separate stops around the league, they stayed in touch through the ups and downs of 162-game seasons. So when Schumaker reached out this winter to gauge Jankowski’s interest in making the transition to coaching, the question forced some soul-searching: Was he truly ready to step away from playing?
Ultimately, Jankowski embraced the opportunity. Still, he’s well aware of how fresh his perspective remains. Only months removed from being a big leaguer himself, he acknowledged that the adjustment to coaching will come with a learning curve. He expects to lean on Schumaker as well as veteran third-base coach Corey Ragsdale as he settles into the daily rhythm and responsibilities of the job.
For the Rangers, adding Jankowski brings both energy and firsthand experience from a player who helped deliver the franchise its long-awaited championship. For Jankowski, the role offers a new way to stay connected to the game and a chance to help shape the next generation, just as others did for him.