New Twins reliever Jay Jackson is gearing up for the upcoming season, looking to build on the success he achieved in 2023. However, last year was not only a pivotal one for his baseball career but also a deeply personal one as his son, JR Jackson, was born prematurely, spending 166 days in the NICU before finally coming home. Jay’s standout performance on the field, despite the challenges and uncertainties off it, earned him his first major-league contract with the Twins.
The 36-year-old pitcher had an impressive 2.12 ERA in 25 games with the Toronto Blue Jays last season, solidifying his place in the majors after signing a minor-league deal with Toronto. Jackson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to pitch extensively and acknowledged that while he was pleased with his performance, there is always room for improvement.
Jackson’s journey to this point has been marked by perseverance and adaptability, having played for seven different organizations in the past seven seasons and even pitching in Japan. Transitioning from a starter to a reliever, Jackson has found success with his slider, which he threw 60 percent of the time last season.
As he settles in with the Twins, Jackson is prepared for whatever role the team needs him to fill, including pitching multiple innings per game. President of baseball operations Derek Falvey commended Jackson for his ability to reinvent himself and contribute in various ways, highlighting his valuable experience and versatility.
Looking ahead, Jackson’s focus remains on achieving team success, with winning a World Series being his ultimate goal. He is grateful for the opportunity to continue his baseball career with the Twins and is eager to make a meaningful impact however he can.
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