Offseason Handbook Preview: Should Griffin Jax Get Another Shot to Start?

Griffin Jax has found a niche in the Twins' bullpen, but could the team consider giving him another shot as a starter? His journey to becoming one of the league’s best relievers has been full of ups and downs. After initially being developed as a starter, Jax transitioned to the bullpen in 2022 and saw immediate success. However, with questions surrounding the pitching depth and Jax’s starting experience, it's fair to wonder if a move back to the rotation might be in the cards.

Jax made 14 starts during his rookie season in 2021, but his struggles were evident. His 6.37 ERA and elevated home run rate left much to be desired, and the Twins pivoted him to the bullpen the following year. Since that transition, he’s been one of Minnesota’s most reliable relievers, particularly in high-leverage situations, where his fastball-sweeper combination has played well against opposing hitters. But what would it mean for the Twins if they decided to stretch him back out as a starter?

First, we must consider the rotation landscape. Minnesota has several young arms who could factor into next year’s starting rotation, including David Festa, Simeon Woods Richardson, and Zebby Matthews. Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, and Pablo López are locks for rotation spots, but injury concerns and development needs for the younger arms leave some room for creative thinking. With his starting experience and success as a reliever, Jax could offer the Twins a flexible option as a spot starter or even a multi-inning arm. But this move would come with risks.

One of the primary concerns is what losing Jax from the bullpen would mean. The Twins’ relief corps has leaned heavily on Jax, especially in high-leverage situations. His ability to get key outs in the late innings has been critical, particularly when closer Jhoan Durán has needed a break. If Jax moves to the rotation, the bullpen would be left with a significant hole. That’s where comparisons to Reynaldo López and Garrett Crochet become relevant.

Both López and Crochet have bounced between the bullpen and rotation, with varying degrees of success. In 2024, the Braves moved López into a starting role after he'd spent three seasons as a reliever with the White Sox. He flourished with a 1.99 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP, including being selected to his first All-Star Game. Crochet was among the few bright spots on a terrible White Sox roster. In 32 starts, he posted a 3.58 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP and an astronomical 35.1% strikeout rate. The key for both pitchers has been finding a balance between the roles without overextending their arms.

If Jax were to make the switch back to starting, the Twins would need to ensure they don’t lose his effectiveness. There’s a reason he’s thrived in relief, and pushing him into a more extended role could risk undoing the progress he’s made. However, with a growing trend of utilizing relievers in expanded roles, Jax could offer flexibility and upside by pitching more.

Ultimately, while giving Jax another shot at starting is an intriguing idea, the Twins must carefully weigh the impact on both the rotation and bullpen. His contributions in high-leverage spots may be too valuable to sacrifice--unless new needs emerge in the rotation.

Will the Twins move Jax back to the rotation? Should they? Leave a comment and start the discussion, and check out the 2024-25 Twins Daily Offseason Handbook, exclusively for Caretakers, for more on this topic. The Handbook will be released on the site after the end of the World Series.