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

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.

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