MLB Deal: Griffin Jax transferred from Twins to Rays in nail-biting trade deadline exchange
Tampa Bay Rays Bolster Bullpen with Acquisition of Griffin Jax
The Tampa Bay Rays have made a move to strengthen their bullpen at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, acquiring right-handed reliever Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins. The deal, reported by The Post's Jon Heyman, comes after the Rays traded shortstop Jose Caballero to the Yankees on Thursday.
Griffin Jax, a 30-year-old pitcher, is known for his extensive pitch mix that includes two fastballs, a hard sweeper, changeup, cutter, and occasional curveball. Despite a 4.50 ERA in 2025, Jax has a high strikeout rate, with 72 strikeouts in 46 innings pitched. His elite underlying metrics, such as a 5.5 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a 19.5% swinging strike rate, make him a consistent setup man and a valuable addition to the Rays' bullpen. Jax is under club control through 2027.
On the other hand, the Twins received young starting pitcher Taj Bradley in the trade. Bradley, a 24-year-old pitcher, has a 2025 record of 6–6 and a 4.61 ERA, but is viewed as a promising young arm. The Twins are looking to bolster their starting rotation amid significant roster turnover.
This trade is part of a broader Twins strategy at the deadline, where they have traded several bullpen pieces, including Jhoan Duran. Meanwhile, the Rays have strengthened their bullpen with Jax, who is considered a high-end reliever despite some statistical anomalies this season.
It's important to note that this specific Jax-Bradley trade did not involve any other players or prospects. The exchange was a direct one-for-one move.
The Rays have also been active in other trades, with starting pitcher Zack Littell being traded to the Reds in a three-team deal on Wednesday night. However, the acquisition of Griffin Jax does not involve any players mentioned in the trades with the Reds or the Yankees.
The details about the return for Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins have not been reported. The Rays are acquiring Griffin Jax as a move to strengthen their bullpen, following the trade of Jose Caballero to the Yankees.
The Twins have also been active at the deadline, trading away shortstop Carlos Correa, closer Jhoan Duran, and utilityman Willi Castro. However, they did not trade ace Joe Ryan.
Griffin Jax has made 50 appearances and pitched 46.0 innings for the Minnesota Twins this season, posting a 4.50 ERA. However, in the year 2024, he had an ERA of 2.03.
As the trade deadline approaches, teams are making moves to strengthen their rosters for the playoff push. The acquisition of Griffin Jax by the Tampa Bay Rays is a strategic move to bolster their bullpen and compete in the tight American League race.
The Rays' acquisition of reliever Griffin Jax, a high-strikeout pitcher known for his diverse pitch mix, serves as a strategic move to fortify their bullpen during the 2025 playoff push, in response to the trade of Jose Caballero. Meanwhile, the Twins, although trading several bullpen pieces, opted to retain ace Joe Ryan while receiving young starting pitcher Taj Bradley in the deal involving Griffin Jax. In sports media broadcasts, discussions regarding this trade may highlight Jax's potential value within the MLB.
