Brewers Bolster Rotation, Sign Veteran Righty to One-Year Deal

Jakob Junis Signed by Brewers

Junis is entering his eighth major league season. He first came up in 2017 with the Kansas City Royals, who drafted him in the 29th round of the 2011 MLB Draft. After spending five seasons in Kansas City, the San Francisco Giants signed him in 2022. He spent the last two seasons by the bay under one-year deals. For his career, Junis has a record of 38-45 with a 4.64 ERA, a 1.336 WHIP, and 662 strikeouts in 713 1/3 innings pitched.

Adding Junis could go a long way toward reshaping the Brewers’ rotation after they traded Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles last week. However, he has shown some versatility, as the Giants used him mainly in relief in 2023. In 40 appearances (four starts) last season, Junis went 4-3 with a 3.87 ERA, a 1.291 WHIP, and 96 strikeouts in 86 innings, picking up one save. Since Junis has spent most of his career as a starter, and the Brewers just traded away their ace, it could serve the team well to at least give him a chance to win a rotation spot. Their plans for him should become more evident once spring training begins.

The 31-year-old Junis has yet to make a postseason appearance in his career. He missed out on the Giants’ 2021 NL West title by one year. Signing with the Brewers gives him a decent chance to break through to October. They have made the postseason in three of the last four years. Even more than simply getting there, Junis would surely love to help the Brewers get farther into fall than they have the last few seasons.