The Cleveland Guardians have taken a step towards rebuilding their injury-depleted starting rotation, agreeing to terms with right-hander Jakob Junis on a one-year, $4.5 million contract. The versatile 32-year-old aims to provide much-needed depth and stability to a pitching staff that navigated a turbulent 2024 season.
Guardians Address Rotation Woes
Cleveland’s path to the 2024 American League Championship Series was a treacherous one, with the team utilizing a major league-high 14 different starting pitchers due to a rash of injuries and inconsistency. Notably, ace Shane Bieber was lost to Tommy John surgery, while young starters like Gavin Williams, Triston McKenzie, and Logan Allen all battled health issues and growing pains.
In response, the Guardians have made fortifying the rotation a top priority this offseason. The signing of Junis, who posted a stellar 2.69 ERA across 67 innings with Milwaukee and Cincinnati last year, is a savvy move to add an experienced arm capable of thriving in both starting and relief roles.
Junis Brings Versatility and Command
Originally groomed as a starter with the Kansas City Royals, Junis has successfully transitioned into a flexible swingman over the past three seasons. His ability to seamlessly alternate between the rotation and bullpen, combined with his pinpoint command (just 8 walks in 2024), makes him a valuable asset for a Guardians team seeking to manage workloads and navigate the rigors of a six-month season.
“Junis proved to be a reliable swingman for two years with San Francisco and in 2024 with Milwaukee and Cincinnati, where he was traded at the deadline.”
– Jeff Passan, ESPN
Slider Specialist Boosts Bullpen
While the Guardians’ bullpen was a true bright spot in 2024, leading all of baseball with a sparkling 2.95 ERA, the addition of Junis and his wipeout slider further enhances a relief corps that features breakout closer Emmanuel Clase and setup men like James Karinchak and Trevor Stephan.
Junis’ ability to induce weak contact and avoid free passes should mesh perfectly with a Cleveland pitching philosophy built around command, control, and keeping the ball in the ballpark. His presence as a multi-inning weapon or spot starter will be invaluable across a marathon season.
Restocking a Depleted Rotation
Beyond Junis, the Guardians have taken an aggressive approach to replenishing their starting pitching depth this winter:
- Re-signed Shane Bieber to pair with emerging ace Tanner Bibee atop the rotation
- Added Luis Ortiz & Slade Cecconi via trade to infuse young, high-upside arms into the mix
- Return a host of 2024 contributors like Ben Lively, Gavin Williams, Logan Allen, and more
While question marks still linger, especially with Bieber on the mend from elbow surgery, the Guardians have undoubtedly put themselves in a stronger position to weather the inevitable attrition that a 162-game season inflicts upon a pitching staff.
The Road Ahead
As Spring Training 2025 looms on the horizon, the Guardians will enter camp with renewed optimism and a rotation reinforced by the shrewd signing of Jakob Junis. His polish, versatility, and veteran savvy will be vital ingredients as Cleveland looks to match the magic of their improbable 2024 postseason run.
While the loss of Shane Bieber for a significant portion of the upcoming campaign stings, the Guardians have taken proactive steps to soften the blow and position themselves for another run at October glory. The under-the-radar addition of a proven arm like Jakob Junis is emblematic of a front office always in search of value, upside, and the critical depth necessary to survive the war of attrition that is a Major League Baseball season.
