The 2026 MLB season is officially in the books as the Milwaukee Brewers have finally raised their first World Series trophy after nearly six decades of pursuit. It was a win for small-market teams everywhere and while Guardians fans can take solace in the fact that their team was so close to getting the job done, it still hurts to get that close and fall short once again.
The Brewers laid out the blueprint for how to win it all in the modern game without a top-five payroll. The Guardians proved throughout the year that they are not far away, but it’s painful that even Milwaukee’s payroll is about double what Cleveland’s was in 2026. The hope would be that Cleveland’s front office realizes the urgency of the situation and starts spending some money this offseason to add that last piece or two to push the team over the top.
If the Guardians are interested in a potential reunion, one former Guardian hit free agency on Saturday. Jakob Junis, who appeared in 57 games out of the bullpen for Cleveland in 2025, is back on the open market after spending 2026 with the Texas Rangers, according to Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News.
“Junis posted a 3.64 ERA over 54 1/3 innings this season, leading the club with 18 holds and adding six saves before Jacob Latz took over the ninth. He carried a 2.80 ERA into the All-Star break but allowed 11 runs in 19 second-half innings after dealing with left hip and adductor issues,” Rangers Nation said.
Kyle Higashioka and Jakob Junis are headed to free agency after the Rangers bought out their mutual options, per Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News
Yesterday, Joc Pederson declined his end of an $18.5 million mutual option, becoming a free agent. Higashioka will receive… pic.twitter.com/R6nk5Wf4CC
— Rangers Nation ⚾️ (@Rangers__Nation) October 31, 2026
Junis delivered mixed results as a starter for the first few years of his career, but since converting to a full-time reliever in 2023, he has consistently delivered a sub-three ERA prior to 2026. He was a valuable member of Cleveland’s bullpen in 2025 and recorded 1.2 scoreless innings in the team’s brief playoff run as well.
Cleveland has shown no issue churning out quality relief talent from the minors and has also done a nice job with bargain bin free agent signings, such as Junis. The 34-year-old righty has pitched for five teams over the past four years and could be in line to join a sixth team.
He likely won’t get a multi-year deal at this stage of his career, but he is a proven reliable option who would be an affordable and seamless fit back with the Guardians. It’s not the flashy signing most fans are clamoring for, but you can never have enough trustworthy arms in the bullpen.
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