N※N

Insider calls Twins reliever the best fit for Mets at trade deadline

Insider Highlights Twins Reliever Griffin Jax as Ideal Trade Target for Mets Bullpen Boost

In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball's trade deadline, the New York Mets find themselves in a precarious yet promising position. As the season progresses, the Mets have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their offensive lineup and starting rotation, but their bullpen has emerged as a glaring vulnerability. With the deadline looming, team executives are scouring the market for reinforcements, and one name has risen to the top of the wish list: Minnesota Twins reliever Griffin Jax. According to a prominent MLB insider, Jax isn't just a good fit for the Mets—he's the best fit, offering a blend of reliability, versatility, and long-term potential that could transform New York's relief corps into a postseason powerhouse.

The Mets' journey this season has been a rollercoaster. Starting with high expectations fueled by significant offseason acquisitions and the return of key players from injury, the team stumbled out of the gate, plagued by inconsistencies in pitching and timely hitting. However, a mid-season surge has propelled them back into wild-card contention, igniting hope among fans and front-office decision-makers alike. President of baseball operations David Stearns, known for his shrewd dealings from his time with the Milwaukee Brewers, has emphasized the need to address the bullpen's shortcomings. The unit has struggled with blown saves, high-leverage meltdowns, and a lack of depth, often leaving starters' strong outings hanging in the balance. Enter Griffin Jax, a 29-year-old right-hander who has quietly established himself as one of the most dependable arms in the American League.

Jax's path to prominence is a story of perseverance and adaptation. Originally drafted by the Twins in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of the Air Force Academy, Jax served his mandatory military commitment before fully committing to professional baseball. This unique background has instilled in him a discipline and work ethic that resonates with teams looking for more than just talent. He began his career as a starter but transitioned to the bullpen in recent years, where he has thrived. His ability to handle multiple innings, pitch in high-pressure situations, and generate swings and misses makes him an attractive option for a Mets team desperate for stability.

What sets Jax apart, as the insider points out, is his seamless fit within the Mets' current roster dynamics. The Mets boast a solid core of relievers, including closer Edwin Díaz, whose electric stuff can dominate late innings when he's on form. However, Díaz's occasional inconsistencies and the wear and tear on other arms like Adam Ottavino and Brooks Raley have exposed weaknesses. Jax could slot in as a setup man or even a multi-inning fireman, providing the bridge to the ninth that the Mets have lacked. His pitching arsenal, featuring a sharp slider, a deceptive changeup, and a fastball that sits in the mid-90s, allows him to attack both right-handed and left-handed hitters effectively. This versatility is crucial for a team facing diverse lineups in the National League East, where divisional rivals like the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies boast potent offenses.

Moreover, Jax's contract situation aligns perfectly with the Mets' long-term vision. Under team control through 2026, he represents a cost-effective addition without the immediate pressure of a massive salary commitment. This is particularly appealing for owner Steve Cohen, who has demonstrated a willingness to spend but prefers strategic investments that yield sustained success. Trading for Jax wouldn't require depleting the Mets' farm system entirely; the Twins, mired in their own inconsistencies and potentially looking to retool, might be open to a package involving mid-level prospects or even a veteran player. The insider suggests that discussions could heat up as the deadline approaches, with the Mets positioning themselves as aggressive buyers if they maintain their playoff push.

Delving deeper into why Jax is deemed the "best fit," it's worth exploring the broader context of the trade market. This year's deadline features a seller's market for relievers, with teams like the Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, and Chicago White Sox dangling arms such as Pete Fairbanks, Tanner Scott, and Michael Kopech. While these players bring their own merits—Fairbanks with his closing experience, Scott with his left-handed dominance—none quite match Jax's profile for the Mets. Fairbanks comes with injury concerns and a higher price tag, while Scott's free agency looms after this season, potentially making him a rental. Kopech, transitioning from starting, carries more risk in terms of command and consistency. Jax, on the other hand, has demonstrated durability, appearing in numerous games over the past seasons without significant health setbacks.

The insider's endorsement isn't just hyperbole; it's backed by Jax's on-field contributions to the Twins. In a division where every out matters, Jax has been a linchpin in Minnesota's bullpen, often called upon in critical moments to preserve leads or stem rallies. His composure under pressure, honed from his military background, translates to mound presence that could stabilize the Mets' often-volatile relief outings. Imagine a scenario in a tight September game against the Phillies: Starter Kodai Senga hands off a slim lead in the sixth, and Jax enters to navigate through the heart of the order, mixing pitches and inducing weak contact. It's the kind of reliability that could turn potential losses into wins, propelling the Mets deeper into October.

Of course, no trade is without its challenges. The Twins, despite their middling record, might hesitate to part with Jax if they believe they can contend next season. Minnesota's front office, led by Derek Falvey, has a history of making calculated moves, and they could demand a premium for a player of Jax's caliber. For the Mets, the key will be balancing the cost—perhaps including a promising outfield prospect or a young arm—with the immediate impact. Stearns' track record suggests he's adept at such negotiations, having orchestrated deals that bolstered the Brewers' playoff runs without mortgaging the future.

Looking ahead, acquiring Jax could be a catalyst for the Mets' postseason aspirations. The team has the offensive firepower with players like Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Brandon Nimmo, and a rotation anchored by Senga and Luis Severino. Strengthening the bullpen with a talent like Jax addresses the final piece of the puzzle, potentially elevating the Mets from contenders to favorites in a wide-open National League. Fans in Queens are already buzzing about the possibilities, reminiscing about past deadline acquisitions that turned seasons around, like the addition of Mike Piazza or more recently, Javier Báez.

In summary, as the trade deadline inches closer, the spotlight on Griffin Jax as the Mets' ideal target underscores a strategic opportunity. The insider's call isn't just about filling a roster spot; it's about injecting a proven, adaptable reliever into a team on the cusp of something special. Whether the deal materializes remains to be seen, but if it does, it could be the move that defines the Mets' 2024 campaign and beyond. With the right pieces in place, New York could once again be a force in the playoffs, and Jax might just be the arm that gets them there.

(Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/mlb/mets/news/insider-calls-twins-reliever-griffin-jax-the-best-fit-for-mets-at-trade-deadline-john9 ]