Jakob Junis, a former starting pitcher, has effectively moved to the bullpen. In 2025, he posted a 2.97 ERA over 66⅔ innings with the Cleveland Guardians. He also limited opponents to an OPS below .700 and a batting average of .254. While Junis doesn’t record many strikeouts, he excels at staying in the strike zone and keeping his walk count low. Additionally, batters didn’t make much hard contact against him. He ranked in the 82nd percentile for barrels allowed, and the average exit velocity of the opponents against him was 80.6 mph, putting him in the 87th percentile.
Junis’ most effective throw is his changeup, which he throws about 20% of the time. Although the field does not rank highly by traditional standards, it produces excellent results. With a spin rate of 1,312 RPM, the changeup moves similarly to his sinker, keeping hitters off balance. In 2025, opponents were hitting just .160 against them, with a slugging percentage of .233. His secondary throw is a gyro slider, which he throws 44% of the time and uses effectively. Opponents hit .238 against them, with a slugging percentage of .362.
Junis also throws a sinker and a four-seam fastball, although these pitches were less effective. His sinker tends to stay above the middle of the zone, giving hitters more opportunities. Improving command and control and locating them at the edges could potentially improve results.
With Junis added to the bullpen, the Rangers gain a reliable arm to complement Chris Martin, Alexis Díaz, Cole Winn, Robert García, Tyler Alexander and Rule 5 draftee Carter Baulmer. The team will now likely pursue a starting pitcher who can deliver innings, but they could also consider adding another reliever via free agency, trade or by drafting a prospect like Marc Church, Robby Ahlstrom or Emiliano Teodo if they perform well in spring training.
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