Detroit Tigers: Travis Jankowski an Ideal Trade Target to Improve Speed, Defense
Sep 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) and left fielder Justin Upton (8) and center fielder Cameron Maybin (4) celebrate a victory against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Tigers defeated the Braves 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila needs to improve the team’s speed and defense this offseason. One way Detroit could help accomplish this would be to acquire Travis Jankowski.
Detroit Tigers outfielders enjoyed a particularly solid campaign during the 2016 season.
Of all outfielders with at least 500 plate appearances, J.D. Martinez finished fourth among all outfielders in wRC+.
Justin Upton struggled in the first half of the season, but promptly started to tear the cover off the ball in the second half. That run included 18 home runs in his final 37 contests.
Last but not least, Cameron Maybin returned to the Motor City and established himself as one of the premier table-setters in the league thanks to a .383 on-base percentage, 65 runs scored and 15 stolen bases in just 94 games.
Despite the presence of the trio, Detroit could use more speed and defense to improve the team.
Maybin is obviously a threat to steal, and while Upton and Martinez have enough speed to steal a base here and there, they aren’t exactly speed merchants. Additionally, neither of the three players graded out well in UZR.
It is a real possibility that all three return to the Tigers next season, however the team still has to improve on the base paths and in the field. One player who could help in both areas is Travis Jankowski.
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.
Aug 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Travis Jankowski (16) runs to second during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Long-Term Outlook and Potential Trades
At just 25, it is possible that Jankowski could be a mainstay on the Detroit roster for years to come. The earliest the outfielder can reach free agency is 2022, and he could play a more significant role down the line.
J.D. Martinez or Justin Upton could conceivably depart the coming years, and if they do, Detroit will need reinforcements.
The Tigers do have a number of intriguing outfield prospects in the minors in Christin Stewart, Derek Hill, Jose Azocar and Michael Gerber. However all four are a few years away from making an impact at the Major League level.
Jankowski would give the team some long-term insurance in the outfield. Additionally, should Cameron Maybin depart via free agency this offseason, the current Padres center fielder would be a cost-efficient replacement for a Detroit team sporting a hefty payroll.
Potential Trades
San Diego could use help up at both middle-infield spots. Shortstop Luis Sardinas showed well with a .287 batting average in 34 games, but that came partly due to an inflated .349 BABIP. The Padres also used eight different players at second base over the course of the season.
Detroit could part with an infield prospect like Zach Shepherd, A.J. Simcox or Dominc Ficociello while also inlcuding Buck Farmer. San Diego could use the starting pitching depth, and Farmer could be expendable if the Detroit Tigers improve their own pitching depth.
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