The Texas Rangers are adding some familiar depth to their pitching staff.
According to an announcement shared by MLB on social media, the Rangers have agreed to a one-year deal with right-handed reliever Jakob Junis, who spent the 2025 season with the Cleveland Guardians.
“Rangers, RHP Jakob Junis reportedly agree to 1-year deal, per multiple reports including MLB’s @Feinsand,” MLB wrote.
Rangers, RHP Jakob Junis reportedly agree to 1-year deal, per multiple reports including MLB's @Feinsand. pic.twitter.com/u5NCdZXZip
— MLB (@MLB) January 18, 2026
The move ends Junis’ short stint in Cleveland, where he quietly became a reliable bullpen option over the course of last year.
Junis appeared in 57 games for the Guardians in 2025, posting a 2.97 ERA across 66.2 innings while striking out 55 hitters and finishing with a 1.23 WHIP. He went 4–1 on the season and was often used in middle-inning situations, helping stabilize a bullpen that dealt with injuries and inconsistency at various points.
While he was never a headline name, Junis consistently gave Cleveland competitive innings, especially during stretches when the bullpen was being leaned on heavily. For a team that values pitching depth as much as the Guardians do, his production did not go unnoticed internally or around the league.
Junis, 33, originally broke into the majors with the Royals and has also spent time with the Giants and Brewers before landing in Cleveland last season. Over his career, he has logged nearly 850 innings in the majors, bouncing between starting and relief roles before settling into a bullpen-first profile in recent years.
That versatility is likely what appealed to Texas.
The Rangers dealt with major pitching issues throughout 2025, cycling through arms as they tried to stay competitive in the American League. Adding someone like Junis gives them a proven, low-risk option who can handle multiple roles and eat innings when needed.
NEXT: Guardians' Young Infielder Lands On Notable Prospect List
