3 Ways Griffin Jax Elevated His Game to Elite Status in 2024

[Cody Christie]

Minnesota’s bullpen has seen mixed results from many of the team’s bullpen arms. However, one arm has consistently performed at an elite level. Here’s how he did it.

Image courtesy of Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

As the 2024 MLB season progresses, Griffin Jax has emerged as one of the most dominant relief pitchers in the game. Jax has always been a reliable arm out of the bullpen, but he has taken his performance to a new level this season. Here’s how he has become an even more elite weapon in 2024.

1. Increased Strikeout Rate
One of the most significant improvements in Jax’s game this season is his elevated strikeout rate. A key factor behind this uptick is his refined pitch mix, particularly his lethal combination of a sweeper and fastball. His sweeper produced a 28.6 Whiff% last season, but he’s increased that to 42.2% in 2024. Opponents have been held below a .180 batting average against four of his five pitches. Over the offseason, Jax worked tirelessly on perfecting the tunneling effect of these pitches, making them virtually indistinguishable to hitters until it’s too late.

This enhanced deception has left batters guessing, often swinging at pitches they can’t fully commit to. As a result, Jax has seen a noticeable increase in swings and misses, especially in high-leverage situations where strikeouts are at a premium. His 32.8 K% and 11.6 K/9 are both career highs. This ability to overpower hitters has made him a go-to bullpen option for Rocco Baldelli when he is looking to shut down rallies and preserve leads.

2. Improved Command and Control
Another area where Jax has made remarkable strides is in his command and control. Historically, walks have been among the few blemishes on his otherwise impressive resume, with a BB% above 7% for his career. However, in 2024, he significantly reduced his walk rate (6.0 BB% and 2.1 BB/9), a testament to his improved command.

Jax’s ability to consistently hit his spots has allowed him to challenge hitters confidently, getting ahead in counts and dictating at-bats. This newfound precision has limited free passes and forced hitters to swing at his pitches rather than waiting for mistakes. By keeping hitters off-balance and avoiding unnecessary baserunners, Jax has navigated the most critical moments of games with poise and efficiency.

3. Enhanced Pitch Efficiency
In addition to his increased strikeout rate and improved command, Jax has also become more efficient in his pitch usage. This season, he has mastered the ability to induce early contact, often generating weak ground balls and soft pop-ups with fewer pitches. He's had just eight at-bats where he has fallen behind 1-0 in the count, and only one of those plate appearances went to a 2-0 count. When Jax is ahead in the count, he has held batters to a .312 OPS with 43 strikeouts in 83 at-bats. 

This pitch efficiency has multiple benefits. First, it allows Jax to extend his outings when needed, giving his team more innings of high-quality relief. Second, it enables him to pitch on consecutive days without a significant drop in effectiveness, making him a more versatile and reliable option for his manager. Of his 53 appearances, 29 have come with one or fewer days of rest. Finally, by keeping his pitch count low, Jax has minimized wear and tear on his arm, ensuring he remains fresh throughout the season's long grind.

Jax’s evolution into an elite reliever in 2024 results from his relentless work ethic and commitment to refining his craft. By increasing his strikeout rate, improving his command, and becoming more pitch-efficient, Jax has solidified his role as one of the premier arms in the bullpen. As the season continues, expect him to play a crucial role in his team’s success, shutting down opposing offenses and proving that he belongs among the game’s best.

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What stands out most about Jax’s performance in 2024, for you? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[Linus]

I’m just amazed at the improvement since he first came up. I suspect that we skip over the player when we quote developmental success but it’s pretty clear he will do anything to get better. His first year as a starter I would have bet any amount he would never be a successful big leaguer in any fashion and now he is downright dominant out there. He knows it too. When he takes the mound he has an aura about him like “this won’t take long”. Never thought I would say this but I think I have more confidence in Jax than Durán. Anyway full credit to this guy. What Twin can you remember that has improved this much?

[Doctor Gast]

Jax's consistency & dominance is very welcomed with Duran's stumbling. Maybe Duran can learn from Jax.

[Dman]

I think he is the best arm we have in the pen. I'm amazed at how he just keeps getting better. Thankfully we have him for three more years.

[LambchoP]

Jax is definitely our best reliever this year. He seems to be pretty durable as well. Without him, our bullpen would truly be screwed...

[Brandon]

2 hours ago, Linus said:

I’m just amazed at the improvement since he first came up. I suspect that we skip over the player when we quote developmental success but it’s pretty clear he will do anything to get better. His first year as a starter I would have bet any amount he would never be a successful big leaguer in any fashion and now he is downright dominant out there. He knows it too. When he takes the mound he has an aura about him like “this won’t take long”. Never thought I would say this but I think I have more confidence in Jax than Durán. Anyway full credit to this guy. What Twin can you remember that has improved this much?

Eddie Guardado.  He was a failed starter turned excellent closer.  Matt Guerrier is another.

[nicksaviking]

3 hours ago, Brandon said:

Eddie Guardado.  He was a failed starter turned excellent closer.  Matt Guerrier is another.

May, Duffey, Perkins, Nathan, Hawkins, Aguilera. Duran, Alcala, Rogers and Presley were all questionable starters until right when they got called up.

Still baffling that the Twins didn't have the foresight to do it with Liam Hendricks before they had to cut him loose. 

[wabene]

Griffin Jax is a driven and disciplined young man. Part of the reason he struggled mightily as a starter might have to do with his limited early development due to his military career. He may feel the same way with that being a reason he wants a chance to start again. Of course that and the potential money involved.

It sure would be hard to mess with such a successful reliever, but it is intriguing to consider what kind of starter he could be now. 

Looking at the state of the pen and the Twins unwillingness to financially invest in it, I doubt he gets the chance. 

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

Varland? 🤫

Knock on wood. If he's only a back end starter at best, they sure as heck at least give it a shot.

[David Maro]

His military background is what gives him the discipline to do better.Keeping him in the pen will give him a longer career.With his build and the 97+ fastball he would be prone to injury as a starter.And if he threw the fastball 93-95 as a starter he would be less effective.