Traded Twins Pitcher Eyeing Major Change with New Team

We are nearly two weeks removed from the 2025 Major League Baseball trade deadline, and despite their unbelievable sell-off that week, the younger, more energetic-looking Minnesota Twins have played much better baseball, of late.

Rocco Baldelli’s new-look squad has won two straight series against the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals, both AL Central rivals, winning four of their last five games, and six of their last eight.

Time will tell whether or not this torn-down Twins roster can hang through September, but their recent hot stretch has at least gotten the fanbase off this team’s back, after their first few months and resulting deadline yards sale made them the laughing stock of Minnesota’s sports scene.

When players started dropping from the active roster like flies back on July 31, it got to the point where some players no longer wanted to be around, given the organization’s current disinterest in fielding a playoff-caliber team.

Once Carlos Correa agreed to waive his no-trade clause for the Houston Astros, all bets were off. And while Griffin Jax wasa appreciative of his time in Minnesota, he was seemingly the loudest about his desire to play elsewhere, a request that was confirmed again Monday morning by the Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale.

And just before the 5 p.m. CDT bell rang on the last day of July, the former failed starter-turned dominant reliever was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. But apparently, Griffin Jax’ move to Tampa isn’t the only change he is pondering.

Jax requested through his agent to be traded after Correa was dealt, sources confirmed, but the Twins were prepared to hold on to him if trade talks fell through. The Twins didn’t agree to the deal until the last half-hour before the deadline.

The Twins sought a package of prospects for Jax similar to the one they received in the Duran deal, and Jax’s market didn’t pick up until the last day. Tampa Bay was straddling the line between buyer and seller after playing poorly that week.

Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune

For now Jax carries a 4.93 ERA (2.32 FIP) with a 76/15 K/BB across 49 1/3 innings this season. He has scuffled more with Tampa Bay after giving up a run in his first outing, and allowing a three-run game-winning homer to Cal Raleigh in his last outing.

Griffin Jax could reignite starter talks this offseason

Prior to the regular season, there was talk about Jax returning to a starting role for the Minnesota Twins, given his success in the bullpen. The move could make sense for a couple of reasons, but in the end, it probably comes down to money. Big League starters make more and have far better long-term job security than that of a reliever.

Following the trade to Tampa Bay, where they are known for their developmental pitching prowess, some teammates believe Jax could again entertain a move to starter. Clearly, this is something that has been on Jax’s mind recently, when having conversations with former Twins teammates, both before and after he was dealt.

Bradley was demoted to the minor leagues about a week before the trade deadline, so the Twins had many internal conversations about him before it developed into a one-for-one trade. Some Twins players suspect the Rays will try to convert Jax to a starter this offseason.

Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune

As the Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale outline Minnesota’s trade frenzy, he did get some thoughts from those in the clubhouse. With Taj Bradley, a starter, coming to the Twins there is an opening in the Tampa Bay rotation.

7 minutes of Griffin Jax strikeouts from this season ⬇️

This is some of the best stuff in the entire sport. pic.twitter.com/wm0KgoWx1V

— Jake (@TBRaysCentral) August 1, 2025

Jax has proven to be among the best relievers in baseball, but he could have a desire to return to a role he hasn’t held down since 2021. He possesses five different pitches, and if used effectively, that puts him in position to operate in a starting capacity.

Related: Minnesota Twins Veteran Undergoes Serious Emergency Surgery

Minnesota opted against returning Jax to the rotation this past offseason. Instead they built arguably the best bullpen in baseball. Tampa may move differently, and for a guy who should make around $6 million next season, he’d be a cost-effective option that the Rays are always known to love.

If Jax does make a move back to the starting rotation, he’ll join former teammate Carlos Correa (shortstop to third base) as players to switch positions with their new employer.