After revitalizing his career with the Giants, veteran pitcher finds a new home with the Guardians.
When San Francisco signed Him ahead of the 2022 season, he was viewed as a depth option with minor league flexibility—an appealing trait given the unpredictable nature of a long season.
During his five years with the Royals, He posted a 4.82 ERA, showing solid strikeout numbers but struggling with home runs. Upon joining the Giants, he featured a diverse pitch mix, with his slider standing out as his best offering. The Giants’ coaching staff refined his arsenal, increasing his slider usage, which led to improved results. Over two seasons in San Francisco, he recorded a 4.18 ERA, including a strong 2023 campaign with a 3.87 ERA in 40 appearances, primarily out of the bullpen.
A transition to relief work boosted his fastball velocity and strikeout rate, proving to be a beneficial career shift. Junis signed with the Brewers in free agency, drawn by the chance to return to a starting role—an opportunity that likely wasn’t available with the Giants.
Milwaukee, known for maximizing under-the-radar pitchers, helped Junis build on his San Francisco success. Despite missing time due to a shoulder injury and an unfortunate incident where he was struck in the neck by a baseball, he delivered impressive results. He posted a 2.42 ERA in 10 outings before a midseason trade sent him to the Reds. Across his time with both teams, he finished with a 2.69 ERA, 96 strikeouts, and 21 walks over 67 innings.
Now, Junis joins a Guardians organization with a strong track record in pitching development, much like Milwaukee. Coming off an ALCS appearance before falling to the Yankees, Cleveland presents a promising opportunity for a pitcher who has successfully reinvented himself mid-career.