The Tampa Bay Rays made a significant, last-minute splash at the MLB Trade Deadline, securing elite right-handed reliever Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins. This strategic move aims to fortify the Rays’ bullpen, signaling their intent to remain competitive in a challenging American League race.
This acquisition was part of a dynamic week for the Rays’ front office, which executed a total of seven trades in a flurry of activity leading up to the deadline. Notable departures included right-handed starter Zack Littell, who was sent to the Cincinnati Reds, and shortstop José Caballero, the American League leader in stolen bases, who joined the New York Yankees.
The deal for Jax notably involved sending right-handed starter Taj Bradley to the Twins. Bradley, a promising 24-year-old, had recently been demoted to Triple-A Durham on July 24th after a challenging outing against the Chicago White Sox, where he surrendered four earned runs in just 1.2 innings.
Despite his recent struggles, Bradley’s potential remains high, a sentiment echoed by Rays manager Kevin Cash. Following the trade, Cash remarked, “I think there’s no dispute about the talent, where Taj is, and I certainly wish him well and a ton of success. Taj has a chance to be a very good major league pitcher for a long time.”
In Griffin Jax, the Rays Baseball club gains a truly legitimate MLB Reliever with an impressive track record. Jax ranks third among all Major League Baseball relievers with 72 strikeouts, showcasing his dominant ability to miss bats. His advanced metrics further underscore his elite performance, with his chase rate in the 100th percentile and both his whiff and strikeout rates sitting in the 99th and 98th percentiles, respectively.
This Griffin Jax Trade also provides the Rays with long-term stability in their bullpen, as the accomplished reliever is under team control through the 2027 season. This extended commitment ensures that his high-leverage capabilities will be a valuable asset for the team for several years to come.
Ultimately, the Tampa Bay Rays’ aggressive posture at the MLB Trade Deadline, culminating in the acquisition of Jax, highlights their commitment to strengthening key areas for a postseason push. These strategic roster adjustments, while involving difficult goodbyes to talents like Taj Bradley, are designed to optimize the team’s immediate and future competitive outlook.
