Twins bench coach Jayce Tingler opened door to rotation in November Griffin Jax. As spring training approaches, the team appears to be no longer considering this move.
“Our plan is to keep Griff in the bullpen in 2025,” general manager Jeremy Zohr said on the team’s Inside Twins show. “He’s obviously very valuable in 2024. We feel like he’s one of the best relievers in the game and feel really good about that role and the plans for the coming year and know Griff is excited about it too”. Zoll left open the possibility that Jax would get a rotation spot in future seasons, but that doesn’t appear to be happening this year.
Jaquez has been a standout reliever over the past three seasons. In 2022-23, he has an ERA around 3.00 with high strikeout and walk rates. The right-hander took a big step forward last year, posting a 2.03 ERA in 71 innings. Jaquez’s 34.4% strikeout rate ranks 10th among relievers with 50 or more innings. His swing shooting percentage of 18.4% is even more impressive. In the same group, only Josh Hader, Dylan Lee and Mason Miller Miss more bats per pitch.
players like McCulkin, Seth Lugo, Reynaldo Lopez and Garrett Crochet The move from the bullpen to the rotation has been successful in recent years. If pitchers can maintain a similar field goal percentage advantage under a heavier workload, then such a move would have significant upside. At the same time, removing a player from the role he has always dominated carries some risks. When a pitcher takes command of an opposing lineup two or three times in a game, injuries or a decrease in effectiveness can occur.
Jax is entering his 30th year, the first of three years in arbitration. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reports that he and the team reached a $2.365MM deal to avoid a hearing. throw the ball in front Joan Duran The earning power through arbitration is less than what he would have been as a starter or in the ninth inning.
Duran and Jaquez form a potentially elite backend combination for captain Rocco Baldelli. Brock Stewart, Justin Topa, Jorge Alcala and Cole Sands You can also enter the leverage game. Minnesota has fewer lefties and may be looking for a low-cost lefty this offseason. Cody Funderburk and deep launcher Brent Headrick Is the only left-handed pitcher on the 40-man roster.
Minnesota has a decent amount of rotation depth. Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober Project as the top three starters. Chris Paddack Arranged as arm #4, while Louis Valland, Simon Woods Richardson and prospects David Festa and Zebbie Matthews Can compete for the final rotation spot. Both Lopez and Paddack have surfaced in trade rumors as Minnesota’s front office appears to be working without any salary flexibility. They need a lot of personnel to move their ace employee Lopez. Trading Paddack to offload his $7.5MM salary and create room for offensive acquisitions may be more likely.
In terms of position players, Zoll confirmed the Twins will give Royce Lewis Reps at second and third base in spring training. The former No. 1 overall pick started just one major league game at Cornerstone Stadium. Dan Hayes of The Athletic reported earlier this offseason that the Twins were considering a full-time move to second base next season. Rather than committing firmly to the infield formation, Zoll spoke generally about the value of Lewis’ defensive flexibility, willy castro and Brooks Lee Brought to the table.
