Cincinnati Reds: Five players fighting for a roster spot during spring training

4. Travis Jankowski, Outfielder

Travis Jankowski is an interesting case heading into spring training. Never a highly-touted prospect, Jankowski possesses something sorely lacking on this year’s Cincinnati Reds team – speed. After dismissing Billy Hamilton and José Peraza over the past two winters, there’s not much speed on the Reds roster. Jankowski could change that.

Offensively, Jankowski doesn’t bring much to the table. A career .241 hitter, Jankowski only slashed .182/.250/.182. That makes the numbers that Hamilton put up seem like All-Star level stuff. However, just like Hamilton, Jankowski will be far more valuable as a defender than at the dish.

The problem for Jankowski is, the Reds also brought in another versatile outfielder with speed this offseason in Shogo Akiyama. Though 31-years old, Akiyama has stolen 12 or bases over the past six seasons while playing for the Seibu Lions of the NPB League in Japan. Like Jankowski, Akiyama can also play all three outfield positions.

Heading into camp. Jankowski feels like more of an insurance policy than a player looking to break through onto the Opening Day roster. The 28-year-old will have his work cut out for him in order to make the team. However, without an elite-level defender in the outfield, having a player like Jankowski able to take over in the outfield late in games could be perfect for that final spot on the roster.