Report: Guardians, Junis agree to 1-year, $4.5M deal

The Cleveland Guardians have agreed to a one-year, $4.5-million deal with right-hander Jakob Junis, sources told ESPN's Kiley McDaniel.

Completion of the agreement is pending a physical.

Junis put up a 2.69 ERA, 3.69 FIP, and 0.85 WHIP with 51 strikeouts, eight walks, and one save across 24 appearances (six starts) split between the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds in 2024. He missed a large portion of the season because of a right shoulder impingement.

The 32-year-old can serve as a swingman for Cleveland in 2025. He could also be a candidate to join the rotation if Triston McKenzie's struggles continue.

Junis' most-used pitch is a slow slider that averaged 83 mph last year. He also throws a sinker and four-seam fastball, along with the occasional changeup and cutter.

A native of Jacksonville, Arkansas, Junis owns a lifetime 42-45 record with a 4.48 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 713 strikeouts across parts of eight big-league seasons with four teams.