Mets Sign Outfielder, Call Up Catcher Amid Paternity List Move

NEW YORK, NY — The New York Mets have signed veteran outfielder Travis Jankowski to a minor-league deal on Tuesday. Jankowski, who is 33 years old, will report to Triple-A Syracuse.

In a related move, catcher Francisco Alvarez was placed on the paternity list. The Mets have called up catcher Michael Senger from Syracuse to fill Alvarez’s spot on the roster.

Jankowski has had a busy year so far, playing for both the Chicago White Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays. He has a batting average of .244 with a .286 on-base percentage and .289 slugging percentage across 49 plate appearances this season. The Rays released him from his contract last week.

Throughout his career, Jankowski has played for eight different teams over ten seasons. He had 43 games with the Mets in 2022. Following his stint with the Mets, he made significant contributions to the Texas Rangers in 2023, achieving 1.2 fWAR as a backup player during their World Series-winning season.

Alvarez, 23, has been a key player for the Mets, currently hitting .255 with two home runs and 10 RBIs. He has been especially productive in June, with a 7-for-21 performance and one home run. Alvarez is now becoming a first-time father and is expected to return to the team within three games.

Senger, 28, made his MLB debut earlier this season while Alvarez was on the injured list, where he managed to record a .179 batting average with one double over 28 at-bats. He was sent back to the minors when Alvarez returned from injury.