The Jakob Junis market is starting to take shape. The Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies are two of the teams reportedly interested in the adaptable right-handed pitcher.
Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer (subscription needed) stated that the Phillies are interested in both Junis and veteran reliever Phil Maton. The Phillies and Red Sox are among the teams interested in 2023 SF Giants pitchers. However, Ryne Stanek and Junis are still targets for the Red Sox, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.
Junis is viewed by both organizations as a pitcher who can work both in the bullpen and in the rotation. Andrew Bailey, who spent the previous four seasons in the same capacity with the Giants, is the pitching coach for Boston. There is a history with the Red Sox; he collaborated with the seasoned pitcher for two years during that time.
Junis was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 29th round of the 2011 MLB Draft after graduating from Rock Falls Township High School in Rock Falls, Florida. His seven-year career to date and his achievement of making it to the majors are noteworthy, especially in light of the fact that the draft currently ends after just twenty rounds.
Before being non-tendered following the 2021 season, the righty pitcher was a member of the Royals for his first five seasons. With two years of team control remaining, the Giants signed him in what turned out to be a quiet, opportunistic move.
Junis had a good amount of strikeouts and few walks while with Kansas City, but he was too easily hit by a long ball. He mostly used his slider and four-seam fastball, the former being by far his best pitch, and frequently flashed four or more pitches.
He kept throwing a variety of pitches after moving to San Francisco, but he started using sliders more frequently—it got as high as 62.5 percent in 2023. Despite the increase in usage, opposing hitters only managed a.216 batting average against it in the previous season.
The best results of his seven-year career followed from this. In 86 innings pitched, the 31-year-old pitcher had the following stats: 3.87 ERA, 3.74 FIP, 1.29 WHIP, 10.0 K/9, and 4.57 SO/W ratio. He saw action as a starter, one-inning reliever, and bulk innings provider with the Giants. Teams will be drawn to that kind of adaptability. Reuniting with the Giants is improbable, though, as it is likely that he wants another opportunity to start.
Another pitcher the Giants have had success with recently is Junis, who puts up consistent work. He is expected to sign a multi-year contract in 2023 that will pay an average yearly wage greater than his current $2.8 million in compensation.
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