From Seattle University teammates to the big leagues, these hurlers share a bond that fuels Janson Junk’s development as he seeks consistency on the mound for Miami.
Janson Junk is no Tarik Skubal, but the Miami Marlins right-hander has continued to carve out his own place on the pitching staff while building a close relationship with one of baseball’s most respected arms.
During the Marlins’ weekend-series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, which wrapped up a nine-game homestand at loanDepot park, Skubal spoke with Tyler Boronski about the close-knit relationship he shares with Junk.
"He's always been such a fun dude," Skubal said. "I kind of always loved the way he works."
Skubal and Junk were college teammates at Seattle University, long before their paths led them to baseball's highest level.
Although the two pitchers have taken different paths in their careers, their connection has become an important part of Junk’s development and day-to-day approach.
Skubal, now with the Dodgers after serving as the ace of the Detroit Tigers and establishing himself as one of Major League Baseball’s premier pitchers, understands what it takes to perform at the highest level.
His success has made him someone younger pitchers can turn to for advice, perspective and encouragement. For Junk, that kind of relationship can be especially valuable as he continues working to establish consistency in the majors.
Junk has shown flashes of the ability that made him a notable pitching prospect, but he has also faced the challenges that come with trying to succeed against some of the best hitters in the world.
Rather than attempting to become a copy of Skubal, Junk can benefit from learning how the left-hander prepares, handles adversity and maintains confidence from start to finish.
It will certainly be interesting to see what role Junk has with Miami in 2027, assuming there is baseball, whether as a starter or a reliever.
Their relationship also reflects the importance of connections between players across the game. Baseball can be an individual sport in many ways, particularly for pitchers, but success often depends on having teammates, friends and mentors who understand the unique pressures involved.
For the Marlins, Junk’s continued progress could become an important storyline as the season approaches its end, with the club unlikely to make the playoffs.
Every outing gives him another opportunity to refine his pitches, improve his command and demonstrate that he belongs in a major-league rotation or bullpen role.
While comparing Junk to Skubal may be unrealistic given Skubal’s current standing among the game’s elite pitchers, the comparison does highlight the value of having someone of Skubal’s caliber in Junk’s corner.
Junk ultimately will be judged primarily by what he does on the mound, beginning Tuesday in Arizona.
