NY Mets bring back familiar spark plug on minor-league deal

Mets fans, remember this guy? On Tuesday afternoon, Anthony DiComo reported that the Mets signed Travis Jankowski to a minor-league deal six days after he elected free agency from the Tampa Bay Rays. If he is to be called up from Triple-A Syracuse at some point, the Mets are set to become Jankowski's third team already in 2025, as he's played in games for the White Sox and the Rays thus far.

It would also mark a return to Queens for Jankowski, who had a stint with the Mets three years ago.

He may have played in just 43 games for the Mets in 2022, putting up a forgettable statline, but Jankowski had some memorable moments in his time with the team.

Travis Jankowski back for Round 2 of memorable Mets career after recent signing

Fans might remember Jankowski for the time he joked about how "no one would be buying" his jersey in a press conference, resulting in his teammates wearing t-shirts with his name on them on the field during practice just a few weeks later. Jankowski had another viral Mets moment when a picture of he and Shakira surfaced on the famous singer's Instagram story after she attended a game at Citi Field. Although he was no superstar, Mets fans appreciated Jankowski for his clubhouse presence.

Following his tenure with the Mets, Jankowski won a World Series with the Texas Rangers in 2023, knocking in two runs and going 2-for-7 with a double in the Fall Classic. He spent two years with the club before short-lived stints with the White Sox and Rays this year. He's never been known for his hitting, as he has a career OPS of just .623, but he stands out on any team's bench for his elite baserunning and fielding.

The Mets may be stashing him until meaningful games in September/October, where his skills on the basepath will come in handy (in true Terrance Gore fashion). For now, though, this is purely a depth move for the team; barring injuries, Mets fans will be unlikely to see Jankowski anytime before a playoff push.