The Milwaukee Brewers probably planned, at some point in 2023, to enter the 2024 campaign with Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff leading their rotation.
However, pitchers are fragile, and unexpected things happen.
Woodruff suffered a long-term injury that could cause him to miss most or all of the upcoming season, so he was non-tendered.
And Burnes, entering his last season or arbitration eligibility, was traded to the Baltimore Orioles a few days ago.
Just like that, the Brewers’ pair of aces are out of their plans now.
Looking to replace Burnes just a few days before the start of spring training, the Brewers made a move.
It’s not close to replacing Burnes’ production, but it’s something at least.
“Jakob Junis has agreed to a one-year, $7 million deal with the Brewers pending physical, per source. @kileymcd and @Ken_Rosenthal were on it,” MLB insider Mark Feinsand tweeted.
Jakob Junis has agreed to a one-year, $7 million deal with the Brewers pending physical, per source. @kileymcd and @Ken_Rosenthal were on it.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 6, 2024
Junis was good with the San Francisco Giants last year in a multi-inning relief role.
He posted a 3.87 ERA in 86 innings.
He pitched in 40 games, averaging a little more than two frames per outing.
He often took the ball and gave the Giants two, three, or even four innings.
It’s unclear which role he will fulfill on the Brewers, but he has past starting experience.
The most likely scenario has him joining the rotation together with Freddy Peralta, Colin Rea, Wade Miley, and one of the players coming over from Baltimore in the Burnes trade: DL Hall.
Losing Burnes and Woodruff (and manager Craig Counsell, plus advisor David Stearns) makes it very unlikely Milwaukee wins the NL Central again.
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