The Texas Rangers are reportedly set to sign veteran right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis to a one-year, $4 million contract, according to multiple reports on Sunday night. This move comes as the team aims to bolster its pitching staff and address recent bullpen struggles.
Junis, who began his career as a starter with the Kansas City Royals in 2017, transitioned to a relief role in 2025 with the Cleveland Guardians. In his lone season with Cleveland, he posted impressive numbers, going 4-1 with a 2.97 ERA, 18 walks, and 55 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings over 57 games. The Guardians had previously signed Junis to a one-year, $4.5 million deal in February.
The 33-year-old Junis has a career record of 46-46 with two saves, a 4.36 ERA, 216 walks, and 768 strikeouts in 847 innings across 249 games (116 starts) for the Royals (2017-21), San Francisco Giants (2022-23), Milwaukee Brewers (2024), Cincinnati Reds (2024), and Guardians. He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 29th round of the 2011 MLB Draft.
The Rangers are looking to strengthen their bullpen after losing right-hander Phil Maton and left-hander Hoby Milner to the Chicago Cubs as free agents. Last season, their bullpen converted only 37 out of 66 save opportunities (56%), ranking among the worst in the majors. To address this, the Rangers have added lefty Tyler Alexander and right-handers Alexis Diaz, Carter Baumler, and Zak Kent, and re-signed righty Chris Martin to a one-year, $4 million contract.
This strategic move by the Rangers highlights their commitment to improving their pitching depth and addressing specific areas of need, as they aim to strengthen their bullpen and overall team performance.
