# Jakob Junis' Barrel Skill Made Rangers Bullpen Strong in 2026

> Jakob Junis' low barrel rate helped Texas Rangers bullpen thrive in 2026.
- Title: Jakob Junis' Barrel Skill Made Rangers Bullpen Strong in 2026
- Summary: Jakob Junis' low barrel rate helped Texas Rangers bullpen thrive in 2026. Jakob Junis' 3.5% barrel percentage made him the Rangers' top set-up pitcher in…
- Keywords: jakob junis, texas rangers, mlb, barrel percentage, statcast, set-up pitcher, relievers, sports, Jakob, Junis', Barrel, Skill
- Source: Texas Rangers On SI — https://si.com/mlb/rangers/onsi/this-trait-made-jakob-junis-valuable-part-of-rangers-bullpen-in-2026
- Published: 2026-10-16T17:00:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jakob junis, texas rangers, mlb, barrel percentage, statcast, set-up pitcher, relievers, sports
## Texas Rangers sign Jakob Junis
The Texas Rangers signed reliever Jakob Junis to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2027.
## Junis' 2026 pitching stats
Junis went 1-3 with a 3.64 ERA in 53 games, 18 holds and six saves in eight chances.
## Injuries limited Junis' season
He missed about a month due to left hip impingement and left adductor strain.
## Junis' mutual option value
Junis' mutual option is for $4.5 million, with potential for better free agency market.
## Junis' walk rate
Junis walked 18 batters in 12 fewer innings than 2025, with 7.7% walk rate in 61st percentile.
## Junis' barrel percentage
Junis had a 3.5% barrel percentage, ranking 97th percentile in baseball.
## Junis' pitch arsenal
Junis used a sweeper 43% of the time at 82.1 mph with induced break, and a change-up at 86.8 mph.
## Key takeaway

Jakob Junis' 3.5% barrel percentage made him the Rangers' top set-up pitcher in 2026.