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Philadelphia Phillies: 3 surprise players who’ve flashed potential this spring

By David Esser

LAKELAND, FL - FEBRUARY 28: Bryan Mitchell #65 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch during a spring training game against the Detroit Tigers on February 28, 2021 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
LAKELAND, FL - FEBRUARY 28: Bryan Mitchell #65 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch during a spring training game against the Detroit Tigers on February 28, 2021 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Phillies Travis Jankowski
Mar 6, 2021; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Travis Jankowski (9) singles in the 2nd inning of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Travis Jankowski, OF

A Pennsylvania native who hit just .067 with the Cincinnati Reds last season, Travis Jankowski has come in and quickly made a name for himself with the Philadelphia Phillies. Across five games and nine at-bats, the veteran outfielder is slashing .444/.500/.667 with a triple and two stolen bases as well.

A speedy outfielder who’s found a way to flash his best attribute through his first couple of games with the Phils (his speed), Jankowski has certainly flipped the script on the idea that he was brought in just to be another camp body.

With that said, the pathway for Jankowski to ever see major league action with the Phillies is essentially zero. Joe Girardi is already working through a pretty fierce competition when it comes to the team’s center field depth, and the corner outfield positions are adequately backed up by the likes of Matt Joyce and Brad Miller at the moment.

However, Jankowski is one of those guys who could see himself earn another major league shot with a different team post Spring Training. His ability to make contact has been impressive thus far, and speed is an attribute that almost every MLB team could use more of.

He’s from Lancaster too, an easy guy to root for!

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