Janson Junk Bio
Janson Randall Junk is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on January 15, 1996, in Federal Way, Washington, Junk has developed into a reliable arm across multiple organizations during his professional career. He made his MLB debut in 2021 and has since accumulated experience with the Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, and Miami Marlins, establishing himself as a versatile pitcher capable of both starting and relieving duties.
Early Life and Background
Janson Junk grew up in Federal Way, Washington, where he attended Decatur High School. During his high school years, Junk developed his skills as a baseball player, setting the foundation for his future career. His hometown of Federal Way is located in the Seattle metropolitan area of Washington state, a region known for producing competitive baseball talent.
After graduating from Decatur High School, Junk continued his baseball journey at Seattle University. He joined the Redhawks baseball program as a walk-on player and spent three seasons with the team from 2015 to 2017. His collegiate career demonstrated his determination and ability to compete at a high level despite not being a recruited starter.
During the summer of 2015, Junk gained additional experience by playing collegiate summer baseball with the Bend Elks of the West Coast League. This exposure to wooden-bat baseball helped refine his skills and prepared him for the professional ranks ahead.
Path to Professional Baseball
Junk’s performance at Seattle University caught the attention of Major League Baseball scouts despite his walk-on status. His three seasons with the Redhawks showcased his potential as a pitcher capable of competing at higher levels. The experience he gained in the West Coast League during the summers further solidified his development as a complete pitcher.
Following his junior season at Seattle University in 2017, Junk entered the MLB Draft. The New York Yankees selected him in the 22nd round with the 662nd overall pick. This selection marked the beginning of his professional baseball career, though his path would eventually lead him through multiple organizations before establishing himself in the majors.
Janson Junk Career
Minor League Development (2017–2021)
Junk began his professional career in 2018 with the Single-A Charleston RiverDogs, the New York Yankees’ affiliate in the South Atlantic League. He appeared in 17 games for Charleston, compiling a 7-5 win-loss record with a 3.77 earned run average. These solid numbers demonstrated his ability to compete successfully at the professional level early in his career.
In 2019, Junk advanced to the High-A Tampa Tarpons of the Florida State League for most of the season. He also made one start each with the Double-A Trenton Thunder and the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, gaining valuable experience at multiple levels of the minor leagues. The 2020 season was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as Minor League Baseball was canceled entirely.
Los Angeles Angels (2021–2022)
On July 30, 2021, the New York Yankees traded Junk and Elvis Peguero to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Andrew Heaney. This trade provided Junk with an opportunity to advance to the major leagues more quickly. The Angels organization assigned him to their new Double-A affiliate, the Rocket City Trash Pandas, before selecting his contract on September 3, 2021.
Junk made his MLB debut on September 5, 2021, starting against the Texas Rangers. Although he took the loss in that game, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits over 3 2/3 innings, the debut marked his arrival at baseball’s highest level. He recorded two strikeouts and one walk in that contest.
Junk earned his first career major league victory on July 27, 2022. He delivered an impressive performance, tossing five scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals. This win represented a significant milestone in his career, validating his ability to succeed at the major league level.
Milwaukee Brewers (2023–2024)
On November 22, 2022, the Angels traded Junk, Elvis Peguero, and Adam Seminaris to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for outfielder Hunter Renfroe. Junk began the 2023 season with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds but saw limited action with the major league club, making only two appearances. He allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits with five strikeouts across 7 1/3 innings pitched.
The 2024 season followed a similar pattern, as Junk was optioned to Triple-A Nashville to begin the year. He appeared in five games for the Brewers, posting a 6.75 earned run average with eight strikeouts across eight innings. Milwaukee designated Junk for assignment on July 28, 2024.
Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics (2024)
The Houston Astros claimed Junk off waivers on August 2, 2024, assigning him to their Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. He made four starts for Sugar Land but struggled, posting a 6.14 ERA with 10 strikeouts over 14 2/3 innings. The Astros designated Junk for assignment on August 29.
Oakland Athletics claimed Junk off waivers on August 31, 2024. He appeared in just one game for Oakland, failing to record an out while allowing six hits and two walks against the Seattle Mariners. The Athletics designated him for assignment on September 5, and after clearing waivers, he was sent outright to the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators. Junk elected free agency following the season on November 4, 2024.
Miami Marlins Era (2025–Present)
Junk signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins on February 10, 2025, which included an invitation to spring training. He reported to the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, where he dominated in nine appearances (eight starts), logging a 4-3 record with a 2.78 ERA and 40 strikeouts across 45 1/3 innings pitched.
On May 24, 2025, the Marlins selected Junk’s contract and added him to their active roster. He immediately contributed to the team, making 21 appearances (16 starts) with a 6-4 record, 4.17 ERA, 77 strikeouts, and one save over 110 innings of work. This strong performance earned him a spot in the rotation for the following season.
On March 20, 2026, the Marlins announced Junk as their fifth starter entering the season, beating out Braxton Garrett for the role. This assignment represented a significant achievement in his career, as he secured a consistent starting role with the organization after years of moving between teams and roles.
Pitching Style and Strengths
Janson Junk has developed into a versatile pitcher capable of working as both a starter and reliever throughout his career. His ability to adapt to different roles has contributed to his longevity across multiple organizations. He has shown the capacity to work deep into games when functioning as a starter while also being able to provide length out of the bullpen when needed.
Notable Events and Milestones
Junk’s first career major league victory on July 27, 2022, stands out as a significant career milestone. His five scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals demonstrated his ability to dominate at the highest level. His selection as the Marlins’ fifth starter for the 2026 season represents the culmination of his journey through multiple organizations to secure a permanent rotation spot.
Janson Junk Career Wins
Through May 25, 2026, Junk has compiled a 10-12 win-loss record across his major league career with 154 strikeouts and a 4.84 earned run average in 138 appearances (29 starts). His career has been characterized by adaptability and persistence, as he has continued to earn opportunities at the major league level despite various challenges.
Major League Highlights
Junk’s first major league win came on July 27, 2022, with the Los Angeles Angels, when he limited the Kansas City Royals to no runs on four hits over five innings. His 2025 season with the Miami Marlins represented his most successful professional campaign, as he posted a 6-4 record with a 4.17 ERA in 21 appearances. His performance in Jacksonville prior to his call-up (4-3, 2.78 ERA) demonstrated the form that translated to his major league success.
Minor League and Collegiate Achievements
Before reaching the majors, Junk established himself as a successful minor league pitcher with the Charleston RiverDogs in 2018, where he went 7-5 with a 3.77 ERA. His performance at Seattle University as a walk-on player who developed into a professional athlete highlights his work ethic and dedication to the sport.
| Competition Level | Wins | Losses | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB (through May 25, 2026) | 10 | 12 | 4.84 | 154 |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a turning point in Junk’s professional career. After beginning the year in the minor leagues with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, he earned a promotion to the Miami Marlins in late May. His performance at Triple-A (4-3, 2.78 ERA) demonstrated his readiness for major league action, and he carried that momentum into his time with the Marlins.
Junk appeared in 21 games for Miami, making 16 starts while also contributing one save out of the bullpen. His 6-4 record and 4.17 ERA reflected consistent performance throughout the season. The 110 innings he pitched provided valuable length for a Marlins team that relied on their pitching staff throughout the campaign.
His strong season performance led to the announcement on March 20, 2026, that he would serve as the Marlins’ fifth starter entering the new season. This assignment represented a reward for his perseverance through multiple organizations and roles. The competition with Braxton Garrett for the final rotation spot highlighted Junk’s ability to establish himself as a reliable starting option for the franchise.