January 20, 2025

Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Griffin Jax enjoyed a career-best season in 2024, posting a stellar 2.03 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP across 71 innings of work. Jax tallied ten saves and 24 holds, operating primarily as the setup man for Jhoan Duran. This was his second-straight campaign tallying at least 20+ holds. Under the hood, the right-hander generated an elite 34.3% K rate, 37.8% whiff rate, and a 38.3% chase rate, which placed him in the 97th, 98th, and 99th percentile among qualified pitchers, respectively. In addition, Jax generated ground balls at a strong 52.1% rate (89th percentile) and held a 2.73 xERA and a .187 xBa, which were both among the top marks in the sport. The 30-year-old also showed incredible command with a 5.4% walk rate. These metrics were all significant improvements compared to his 2023 production. Much of this improvement is credited to his most-used pitch, his sweeper, which generated an eye-catching 45.3% whiff rate and a .203 xwOBA in 2024 compared to a much lower 28.6% whiff rate and .243 xwOBA the previous season. His changeup also improved, generating a .240 wOBA in 2024 compared to the much higher .357 wOBA in 2023. There were reports earlier in the offseason that Jax may begin to transition to a starting role, but general manager Jeremy Zoll confirmed that Jax will remain a high-leverage option in 2025. While Jax carries much lower value in standard rotisserie leagues, given his lack of upside to tally saves, he is an elite option in saves+holds leagues, given his incredible ratios and clear role as the eighth-inning option. Sitting with a 311.2 ADP on the NFBC, Jax is a great target later in drafts to improve your ratios while providing an elite tally of holds.--Andy Smith