Janson Randall Junk (born January 15, 1996) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, and Oakland Athletics.
Amateur career
Junk grew up in Federal Way, Washington, and attended Decatur High School.
He played
college baseball at Seattle University, spending three seasons (2015–2017)
with the Redhawks after joining the team as a walk-on.
During the summer of 2015, Junk played collegiate summer baseball with the
Bend Elks of the West Coast League.
Professional career
New York Yankees
Junk was selected in the 22nd round, with the 662nd overall pick, of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft by the New York Yankees.
Junk spent the 2018 season with the Single–A Charleston RiverDogs, where he had a 7–5 win–loss record with a 3.77 earned run average (ERA) over 17 appearances.
Junk did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Los Angeles Angels
The Yankees traded Junk and
Elvis Peguero to the Los Angeles Angels on July 30, 2021, in exchange for
Andrew Heaney.
On September 3, the Angels selected Junk's contract from the Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas and added him to their major-league roster.
He made his MLB debut two days later, starting against the Texas Rangers and taking the loss.
He allowed five runs (four earned) on six hits in 3 innings and recorded two strikeouts and one walk.
On July 27, 2022, Junk earned his first career victory after tossing five scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals.
Milwaukee Brewers
On November 22, 2022, the Angels traded Junk,
Elvis Peguero, and
Adam Seminaris to the Milwaukee Brewers for
Hunter Renfroe.
Junk was optioned to the Triple-A
Nashville Sounds to begin the 2023 season.
He made only 2 appearances for the Brewers during the season, allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits with 5 strikeouts across innings pitched.
Junk was again optioned to Triple–A Nashville to begin the 2024 season.
Houston Astros
On August 2, 2024, Junk was claimed off waivers by the
Houston Astros.
In 4 starts for the Triple–A Sugar Land Space Cowboys, he struggled to a 6.14 ERA with 10 strikeouts over innings pitched. On August 29, Junk was designated for assignment by the Astros.
Oakland Athletics
On August 31, 2024, Junk was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics.
He made one appearance for Oakland, allowing six hits and two walks without recording an out against the
Seattle Mariners. Junk was designated for assignment by Oakland on September 5.
He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–A Las Vegas Aviators on September 7.
Junk elected free agency following the season on November 4.
Miami Marlins
On February 10, 2025, Junk signed a minor league contract with the
Miami Marlins that included an invitation to spring training.
In nine appearances (eight starts) for the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, he logged a 4-3 record and 2.78 ERA with 40 strikeouts across innings pitched. On May 24, the Marlins selected Junk's contract, adding him to their active roster.
Further reading
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