The Philadelphia Phillies made a major move on Wednesday, acquiring Jhoan Duran, one of baseball’s most dominant relievers, from the Minnesota Twins. The price was steep, but the Phillies hope the impact will be worth it.
Duran, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound right-hander from the Dominican Republic, is in the midst of another stellar season. The 27-year-old has a 6-4 record with a 2.01 ERA and 16 saves in 49 appearances this season, earning a spot on the American League All-Star team.
Duran is a fan favorite for a fastball that reached 104.5 mph and averaged 101.8 mph in 2023. This season, his velocity has dipped slightly. His four-seamer now averages 100.3 mph, raising concerns about potential elbow issues, but the results have remained elite.
A key weapon in Duran’s arsenal is his “splinker,” a hybrid split-finger fastball and sinker that averages 97.6 mph and continues to baffle hitters. The pitch is considered one of the most unhittable in baseball. He also mixes in an above-average curveball and has introduced a sweeper this season. The combination has held opponents to a career-low .546 OPS.
Across four seasons, all with the Twins, he has posted a 17-23 record, 2.47 ERA, and 74 saves in 223 games. He has converted 89% of his career save chances and impressed in the postseason, throwing five scoreless innings with six strikeouts in 2023.
To land Duran, the Phillies gave up significant talent. Minnesota received 23-year-old right-hander Mick Abel, the Phillies’ first-round pick in 2020, and 18-year-old catcher Eduardo Tait, regarded as a Top 100 prospect. Tait is batting .251 with 11 home runs for Single-A Clearwater. Abel, meanwhile, made his major league debut earlier this season.
The Phillies’ starting rotation is deep and their lineup features sluggers like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, but the bullpen has been a consistent area of concern. Jordan Romano, signed during the offseason, has struggled, and Jose Alvarado was suspended 80 games under Major League Baseball’s performance-enhancing drug policy. While Alvarado is expected to return in August, he will be ineligible for the playoffs.
Philadelphia is tied for the fourth-most blown saves in the National League with 16 this season. Five different Phillies pitchers have multiple blown saves, which is tied for the third-most in the majors behind only the Rangers and Angels, who each have six. With Duran, the Phillies now have a legitimate shutdown closer to anchor the bullpen as they prepare for a postseason run.
Trade Details:
- Minnesota Twins get: C Eduardo Tait (MLB No. 56 prospect), RHP Mick Abel (MLB No. 92 prospect)
- Philadelphia Phillies get: RHP Jhoan Duran
