31.07.2025 00:14

The Philadelphia Phillies have bolstered their bullpen significantly, acquiring hard-throwing Twins closer Jhoan Duran in a deadline deal. Sources confirm the agreement, sending two highly-regarded prospects, catcher Eduardo Tait and pitcher Mick Abel, to Minnesota in exchange for Duran's services. This move addresses a critical weakness for the Phillies, whose bullpen has struggled mightily throughout the season.

Duran, a dominant force on the mound, brings an impressive record to Philadelphia. Since his debut in 2022, he boasts 74 career saves, including 16 this season, along with a stellar 2.01 ERA. His repertoire includes a devastating curveball and a blistering 102-mph splinker, a unique pitch combining splitter and sinker elements, making him a formidable closer. The long-term value is undeniable; Duran remains under team control through 2027.

This acquisition allows Phillies manager Rob Thomson to solidify his late-game strategy. With Duran securing the ninth inning, reliable relievers Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering can now focus on bridging the gap in the seventh and eighth innings. The Phillies bullpen, plagued by inconsistency this year, leading to a tie for fourth-most blown saves in the National League (16), will receive a much-needed upgrade. The team's prior closer options, Jordan Romano and Jose Alvarado (currently suspended for performance-enhancing drug use), have proven inadequate. Alvarado's absence extends to the postseason, further highlighting the importance of this trade.

However, the Phillies paid a significant price for Duran's services. The Twins received two top prospects in the trade: Tait, an 18-year-old considered a top-100 prospect currently hitting .251 with 11 home runs at Class-A Clearwater, and Abel, a former first-round pick who has enjoyed a successful season in Triple-A, posting a 7-2 record and a 2.31 ERA. This trade represents a considerable investment in the hopes of a deep postseason run.