There’s quite a bit to like about Junis as a reliever, but he’s just not up to speed right now after signing on Feb. 15. HIs velocity is currently down 1.5-2 mph from last year, and he gave up a homer to Kevin Pillar tonight. Odds are that he’ll eventually have some AL-only value, but possibly not at the start of the year.

Junis was outstanding in 2024 with the Brewers and Reds as seen in a 51/8 K/BB and 2.69 ERA, and the 32-year-old right-hander will be a multi-inning option for Cleveland in 2025. Whether that’s as a starter or out of the bullpen remains unknown, but either way, he’s a better ‘real-life’ option than a fantasy one.

The 32-year-old hurler did a terrific job out of the bullpen for both the Brewers and Reds during the 2024 season, compiling a 2.69 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and a 51/8 K/BB ratio across 67 innings of work. It’s not immediately clear if the Guardians plan to deploy Junis as a starter or reliever but given his success out of the bullpen they may want to keep him in that role.

Junis pitches 67 innings in 2024 between the Brewers and Reds, making six starts in 24 appearances. He posted a 2.69 ERA overall with a 0.85 WHIP and 51/8 K/BB ratio. There’s no indication if the White Sox would view Junis as a starter or a reliever, but his ability to go multiple innings out of the bullpen would be a major boost to a starting rotation that figures to be one of the youngest in baseball next year if the team gives a shot to guys like Drew Thorpe, Noah Schultz, and Sean Burke.