The Giants signed right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis to a one-year, $1.75 million contract on Monday, the team announced.
Junis, 29, made his MLB debut in 2017 for the Royals — the only organization he’s been with. Kansas City originally drafted him in the 29th round of the 2011 draft.
Junis posted a 5.26 ERA for the Royals last year. He made six starts and 10 appearances out of the bullpen.
In a corresponding move to create space on the 40-man roster, the Giants designated Hunter Harvey for assignment. The Giants also DFA’d Caleb Barager to make room for Carlos Rodón.
Junis adds important depth to a deepening rotation. He and Carlos Martínez, the two-time All-Star who joined SF on Sunday, each represent a significant investment by the front office. Committing millions to guys who might be fringe rotation contributors is the type of transaction competitive franchises make.
Martínez and Junis will likely compete with Sean Hjelle, Tyler Beede and Sammy Long for a regular role — either in the rotation or in consistent long relief. San Francisco already has a five-man rotation of Logan Webb, Rodón, Anthony DeSclafani, Alex Wood and Alex Cobb, but the Giants view pitching more as a means to starting 162 games rather than a group of five arms. That’s where adding depth becomes vital.
Junis’ most common pitch is his slider, which he deploys 39.9% of the time. Opposing batters hit .190 against the offering. His arsenal also includes a four-seam fastball, cutter, sinker, changeup and curveball. The Giants’ renowned pitching staff has plenty to work with.
Kauffman Stadium’s sprawling outfield likely hurt Junis, a fly-ball pitcher. Junis’ ERA on the road was over four points lower than it was at home. Hello, Oracle Park.