Jakob Junis joins Guardians to boost pitching depth

Jakob Junis, a right-handed pitcher, recently signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the Cleveland Guardians. He believes joining the Guardians will help him improve his skills on the mound. Junis previously played with the Reds and had a strong record last season, finishing with a 2.69 ERA across his appearances. In 2005, the Guardians, known then as the Indians, relied heavily on just five starting pitchers. They averaged about 32 starts each that season. In contrast, last season, the Guardians used 14 different starting pitchers, highlighting a need for consistency in their rotation. Team president Chris Antonetti expressed a desire to return to a more stable pitching lineup. This offseason, the Guardians worked to add several pitchers, including Junis. Manager Stephen Vogt sees Junis as a versatile option, primarily for the bullpen but capable of stepping in as a starter if needed. Junis has experience as both a starter and reliever, which makes him a valuable asset. Junis is eager to take on any role, saying he wants to contribute wherever he can. He praised the Guardians for their strong history in player development, especially for pitchers. He is expected to start in the bullpen but is ready to fill in as a starter as situations arise during the long season. The Guardians are preparing to avoid the challenges they faced last year, ensuring they have a solid pitching staff in place.