Taj Bradley Is Already Paying Dividends for the Minnesota Twins After Jax Trade
Minnesota, USA – If the Minnesota Twins’ early-season 2026 record has one bright spot, it’s undoubtedly the performance of Taj Bradley, the right-handed starting pitcher acquired in last summer’s trade that sent Griffin Jax to the Tampa Bay Rays. While the Twins sit at 2-4 through their first six games, Bradley’s dominant outings have been directly responsible for both of the team’s wins—and in the process, have validated the decision by general manager Derek Falvey to make the trade.
The Trade That Made a Difference
At the 2025 Trade Deadline, the Twins shipped Griffin Jax to the Rays in exchange for Taj Bradley. While neither team made the postseason last year, it’s clear early in 2026 which side has seen the greater benefit. Bradley’s performance in his first two starts has already shaped the narrative for Minnesota’s pitching staff.
By contrast, Jax has struggled to find his footing with Tampa Bay. Through four appearances in 2026, Jax has logged just 2.0 innings pitched, allowing 4 earned runs on 4 hits, with 2 walks and only 1 strikeout. His outings have been short and inconsistent, highlighting the adjustment period many pitchers face when joining a new rotation—but also emphasizing just how fortunate the Twins were to acquire Bradley in return.
For the Twins, the results have been immediate. Bradley’s first start of the season was a statement: nine strikeouts across seven innings, allowing just one run on three hits and three walks as Minnesota topped the Baltimore Orioles 4-1 at Camden Yards. It was a reminder of the upside the team saw in Bradley—a pitcher with swing-and-miss stuff and poise under pressure.
A Dominant Second Start
Bradley’s second start, against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, only reinforced his early-season dominance. Though he registered fewer strikeouts than his first outing, he threw 100 pitches across six innings, giving up just five hits and one walk. The highlight of the night came when he struck out perennial MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr. looking on a 100-mph fastball, setting a new record for the fastest pitch thrown by a Twins starter.
Minnesota’s offense provided early support. In the second inning, a misplay by catcher Salvador Perez, attempting to pick off Kody Clemens, allowed Minnesota to score their first run. Later innings saw contributions from Byron Buxton, who drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, and a three-home-run outburst in the ninth inning by Matt Wallner, Kody Clemens, and Josh Bell, giving the Twins a decisive 5-1 victory. Justin Topa closed out the ninth with a scoreless inning, securing the team’s second win of the season.
How Bradley Compares to Jax
While Bradley has been dominant, Jax’s early-season struggles illustrate the risks and unpredictability of MLB trades. Jax, who represented a promising pitching arm in Minnesota, has yet to translate his skills into results with the Rays. Early-season stats indicate he may still need time to adjust to a new league and pitching environment, but for now, Bradley is the clear winner in this trade scenario.
Bradley’s outings demonstrate not only his talent but also his ability to deliver under pressure. For a Twins rotation that could have been shaky without a true ace presence, Bradley has provided stability and confidence. He has shown a combination of command, velocity, and poise that has been lacking elsewhere in the rotation, making him an immediate impact player.
Early-Season Implications for Minnesota
The Twins’ 2-4 record might not suggest a strong start, but without Bradley’s contributions, the team could easily be 0-6. His ability to handle big-league lineups and provide multiple innings of quality starts allows the bullpen to remain fresh and positions Minnesota to compete in games where the offense might struggle.
The early-season success also has psychological benefits. For a team coming off a middling 2025 campaign, seeing a young pitcher like Bradley perform at a high level creates momentum and belief in the front office’s decision-making. It validates Falvey’s willingness to make a bold trade at the deadline and sends a message to fans and players that the Twins are actively building toward a competitive window.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate Impact – Bradley’s first two starts directly accounted for both of the Twins’ wins in 2026.
- Record-Breaking Performance – His 100-mph strikeout of Bobby Witt Jr. set a new Twins record for a starter.
- Trade Validation – Minnesota looks to have won the Jax trade decisively, at least in the short term.
- Rotation Stability – With Bradley anchoring the rotation, the Twins can approach each series with confidence, even against high-powered lineups.
Looking Ahead
While it’s still very early in the season, Bradley’s performance provides a blueprint for how the Twins can compete in 2026. He will continue to be a key figure as Minnesota navigates series against divisional rivals and contending clubs. Meanwhile, the Rays will hope Griffin Jax can turn things around, but the Twins can at least enjoy watching their new ace shine.
With the offensive contributions of players like Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, and Kody Clemens complementing Bradley’s pitching dominance, Minnesota is showing glimpses of a team that could surprise opponents despite a sub-.500 start. The Jax trade, at this point, is already paying dividends, and Bradley’s strong performance is central to that success.
