MLB trade: Griffin Jax moves from the Twins to the Rays in a last-minute deal during the trade deadline
Tampa Bay Acquires All-Star Reliever Griffin Jax from Minnesota
Tampa Bay has made a significant move in the MLB trade market, acquiring all-star reliever Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins. Jax, a 30-year-old right-hander, has built a notable career primarily with the Twins, demonstrating impressive pitching performance, particularly in relief roles since 2022.
Jax's Career Stats and Achievements
Through mid-2025, Jax's career stats include a 4.01 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 374 strikeouts in 334.2 innings pitched over 268 games (mostly as a reliever). His best season was in 2024, when he recorded a standout 2.03 ERA and an exceptional 0.87 WHIP across 71 innings, striking out 95 batters.
In 2025, Jax has continued to excel out of the bullpen, posting a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio with 72 strikeouts against just 13 walks. He ranks fifth in the majors for strikeout rate among pitchers with at least 40 innings pitched in 2025. Jax's pitches, particularly his sweeper, generate one of the highest swing-and-miss rates in MLB, categorizing him among the top relief pitchers by advanced metrics like xFIP.
Transition from Starter to Elite Reliever
Jax has been a key setup man in the bullpen, accumulating 21 holds in 2025, although he has limited closing experience with only 3 career saves and 24 blown saves. His consistent presence in high-leverage situations highlights his importance to his team.
Notably, Jax has made a transition from a starter to an elite reliever since 2022. His impressive Statcast numbers, including a 41.1 percent chase rate that is in the 100th percentile in the majors, underscore his effectiveness.
The Trade
The acquisition of Griffin Jax is in exchange for righty Taj Bradley. Bradley, who had a 4.61 ERA over 111 innings with the Rays this year, will be joining the Twins.
Minnesota's Other Transactions
Meanwhile, Minnesota has also made several other notable trades this season. They traded starting pitcher Zack Littell to the Reds in a three-team deal. The Twins have also traded shortstop Carlos Correa to the Astros, closer Jhoan Duran to the Phillies, and utilityman Willi Castro to the Cubs.
The trade of Griffin Jax marks a significant change for the Twins' bullpen, as they continue to shape their roster for the second half of the season. The acquisition of Jax by Tampa Bay, on the other hand, strengthens their bullpen and provides them with a reliable reliever to help secure wins in tight games.
Griffin Jax, acquired by Tampa Bay from Minnesota, has achieved significant success in MLB, especially since transitioning to a relief role in 2022. In 2025, he ranks fifth in the majors for strikeout rate, generating one of the highest swing-and-miss rates in MLB with his pitches.
