Jakob Junis has secured a one-year deal with the Cleveland Guardians valued at $4.5 million, transitioning from the Cincinnati Reds after a successful season. Junis opted for a $3 million buyout rather than accepting a mutual option with the Reds, where he performed admirably with a 2.69 ERA across 24 appearances. The Guardians, fresh off a 92-win season, aim to bolster their roster after significant offseason moves, notably adding Carlos Santana and Paul Sewald. Unfortunately, the team will be without Sam Hentges for the foreseeable future as he recovers from shoulder surgery.

The Cleveland Guardians have kicked off their 2025 Spring Training with pitchers and catchers reporting and beginning workouts. Medical reports reveal positive updates on key injured players including Shane Bieber, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is set to begin mound progression. Nic Enright is projected to return by April, while Daniel Espino is progressing in his shoulder rehab and may return in the next few months. Utilityman David Fry is responding well to elbow surgery rehab, and Sam Hentges aims to resume throwing next month after shoulder surgery. Trevor Stephan also follows a similar recovery path as Bieber. George Valera is actively working on his knee rehab and expected to start batting practice soon.