The Rangers have positioned outfielders Robbie Grossman and Travis Jankowski on outright waivers, experiences ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel. Each are free brokers at season’s finish. Grossman and Jankowski can proceed to play for Texas whereas on waivers, as neither was designated for task previous to his placement. Nonetheless, outright waivers are irrevocable, so if both participant is claimed when the 48-hour waiver interval expires on Saturday, he’ll head straight to his new membership with that group taking up the rest of his contract.
In Grossman’s case, that’s the ultimate 30 days of his prorated $1.5MM base wage — about $242K general. For Jankowski, who’s on a $1.7MM base, the value would bounce to about $274K. Both participant can be postseason-eligible for a brand new group if claimed. If both goes unclaimed, he can stay with the Rangers and doesn’t should be faraway from the 40-man roster. Waiver precedence is set primarily based on the reverse order of MLB-wide standings and — in contrast to the now-defunct August commerce waiver system — is not league-specific.
Grossman, 34, began the season with the White Sox however was traded to Texas just some weeks into the 12 months. He’s slashed a mixed .225/.333/.318 between the 2 groups — manufacturing that’s about 9% under league-average, by measure of wRC+. That appears at his general manufacturing this season, nonetheless, and his manufacturing is skewed by sub-par output towards right-handed pitching. Towards lefties, the switch-hitting Grossman has been has sometimes productive self: .279/.388/.430 (136 wRC+) in 103 plate appearances.
Grossman has made a profession out of tormenting left-handed pitchers. He’s normally extra productive towards righties than he has been this season, however a powerful cut up towards lefties has been an indicator all through his profession. Relationship again to his 2013 MLB debut, Grossman’s ultra-patient strategy has resulted in a .282/.382/.427 batting line versus lefties, with the switch-hitter drawing a free go in almost 14% of his plate appearances from the proper aspect of the dish. A playoff contender in search of a lift towards left-handed pitching might positively have curiosity in Grossman’s observe file and 2024 manufacturing towards lefties — and the minimal acquisition value can’t damage his possibilities of being claimed, both.
No group goes to assert the 33-year-old Jankowski for his bat. He’s turned in a bleak .195/.257/.234 batting line in 167 plate appearances, rendering him as one of many league’s least productive gamers on the plate. That stated, Jankowski is an above-average defender throughout all three outfield spots who ranks within the 84th percentile of MLB gamers when it comes to dash velocity.
Jankowski hasn’t been productive on the plate this season, however he’s solely a 12 months faraway from an honest displaying. He hit .263/.357/.332 for the Rangers’ World Collection-winning membership final 12 months — together with a strong .269/.365/.333 slash towards right-handed pitching. Jankowski is a typical speed-and-defense centered fourth outfielder who can present a late-game defensive alternative and/or pinch-running weapon off the bench for a brand new membership. He’s 8-for-9 in stolen base makes an attempt this season and went 19-for-20 in 2023.
