The Miami Marlins named Janson Junk their fifth starter over Braxton Garrett, finalizing the back end of the Opening Day rotation.
The Miami Marlins have made their decision at the back of the rotation, and RHP Janson Junk has won the club’s fifth starter battle.
Manager Clayton McCullough confirmed to MLB.com's Christina De Nicola that Junk will open the season in Miami’s rotation, while the Marlins optioned LHP Braxton Garrett to Triple-A Jacksonville. The move ends one of the more closely watched competitions in camp and gives Miami a clearer picture of what its Opening Day staff will look like.
Junk’s promotion to the rotation is not especially surprising when viewed through both performance and roster construction. The 30-year-old was already in a strong position to make the club after posting a 4.17 ERA over 110 innings in 2025, appearing in 21 games, including 16 starts. While his 17.2% strikeout rate was below league average, his 2.9% walk rate stood out as one of the best marks among pitchers who logged at least 100 innings last year.
That elite control likely helped separate him in this battle.
This spring, Junk allowed five runs in five official innings but also struck out 26% of the hitters he faced while continuing to limit walks. For a Marlins team that values strike-throwing and flexibility, that profile made him a practical choice. Junk can give Miami innings, keep pitch counts under control, and stabilize the back end of a rotation that already includes Sandy Alcantara, Eury Pérez, Chris Paddack, and Max Meyer.
The decision also says plenty about Garrett’s current status. Garrett was trying to reclaim a rotation job after missing the 2025 season due to injury and working his way back from elbow surgery. Rather than rush him into a major league role, the Marlins chose to give him more time to build up in Jacksonville.
That approach could benefit both sides. Junk gets the opportunity he earned, while Garrett can continue rounding into form without the pressure of immediate major league results.
For now, Miami’s choice reflects a simple truth: the Marlins prioritized readiness. Junk was healthier, more stretched out, and better positioned to handle the role on Opening Day.
It may not be the final version of Miami’s rotation, especially with Garrett still in the picture and top prospects looming later in the year. But for now, Junk has earned the job.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!