Minnesota Twins’ Jhoan Duran Trade Rumors Heat Up: Will the Phillies or Tigers Land the Elite Closer Before Deadline?

With the MLB trade deadline looming, Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran has become one of the hottest names on the market. Multiple contenders, including the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers, are reportedly pushing hard to acquire the elite reliever.

Duran’s dominant 1.90 ERA and 16 saves make him a game-changing addition for any playoff-bound team. As the Twins weigh offers, the Phillies see him as the missing piece for their bullpen, while the Tigers view him as the solution to their closer dilemma.

The next 48 hours could determine whether Minnesota parts with their flame-throwing closer or holds onto him for their own postseason push.

Will Jhoan Duran Actually Get Traded? Analyzing the Latest Rumors

The Minnesota Twins’ All-Star closer Jhoan Duran has become one of the hottest names circulating in trade rumors as the 2025 MLB deadline approaches. With a dominant 1.90 ERA and 16 saves this season, multiple contenders including the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers are reportedly making strong pushes for the flame-throwing righty.

The Phillies in particular have been extensively scouting Twins relievers according to multiple reports. Philadelphia’s bullpen has been inconsistent despite their strong season, and adding an elite closer like Duran could be the missing piece for their World Series aspirations. Meanwhile, the Tigers have emerged as dark horses in the sweepstakes, looking to solidify their surprising first-place position in the AL Central.

This reminds me of when the Padres acquired Josh Hader at the 2022 deadline – a dominant closer moving to a contender can completely change a team’s postseason outlook.

But Mr. Lettuce, wouldn’t the Twins want to keep their best reliever since they’re still in playoff contention?

Good point Tomato. That’s why the asking price would need to be astronomical – think multiple top-100 prospects. The Twins are in that tricky middle ground where they could go either way at the deadline.

What Would a Jhoan Duran Trade Package Look Like?

Any deal for Duran would require a significant haul of prospects given his elite performance and remaining team control. Scouts suggest the Phillies would likely need to package multiple top prospects from their deep farm system.

The Twins would supposedly demand:

• A top-100 position player prospect (likely SS Aidan Miller)
• A MLB-ready starting pitcher
• At least one additional high-ceiling prospect

Detroit could potentially offer a package built around infielder Jace Jung and pitcher Jackson Jobe, though they may be reluctant to part with their top young arms.

Comparing Potential Trade Packages

Where Would Jhoan Duran Fit Best? Phillies or Tigers?

Both Philadelphia and Detroit present compelling landing spots, but for different reasons:

The Phillies offer Duran an immediate chance at World Series glory as part of an established championship contender. Philadelphia’s bullpen has been its biggest weakness, and Duran could slot in as the definitive closer ahead of similarly hard-throwing relievers like Jose Alvarado and Orion Kerkering.

Meanwhile, the Tigers present an opportunity to be the centerpiece of a young team’s playoff push. Detroit’s surprising success has been built largely on starting pitching, and adding an elite closer like Duran could help them maintain their division lead down the stretch.

Could Other Teams Sneak In and Acquire Duran?

While Philadelphia and Detroit appear to be the frontrunners, several other contenders have shown interest in Minnesota’s closer:

• Los Angeles Dodgers: Always aggressive at the deadline and in need of bullpen help
• Chicago Cubs: Trying to stay in the NL Central race
• Cincinnati Reds: Surprisingly in playoff contention with a shaky bullpen

The Dodgers in particular have the prospect capital to make a competitive offer if they choose to get involved. Their farm system depth allows them to potentially outbid Philadelphia or Detroit without completely decimating their future.

What This Means for Twins Fans

For Minnesota supporters, losing Duran would be painful but potentially necessary if the team receives an overwhelming prospect package. The 27-year-old closer is under team control through 2027, making this a franchise-altering decision.

The Twins front office must weigh:

• Their current playoff chances (5.5 games back in AL Central)
• The long-term value of keeping Duran vs. acquiring top young talent
• Fan reaction to trading a homegrown star

As a Twins fan, I’d be heartbroken to see Duran go! He’s become one of my favorite players.

Understandable Tomato, but sometimes teams have to make tough choices. Remember when the Cubs traded Yu Darvish? That seemed shocking at the time but worked out well for both sides.

Final Prediction: Where Does Duran End Up?

Given all the factors at play, Philadelphia appears to be the most likely destination if Duran gets moved. The Phillies:

• Have the most urgent need for an elite closer
• Possess the prospect capital to meet Minnesota’s demands
• Are in full “win-now” mode with their veteran roster

However, don’t count out Detroit’s surprising emergence as a serious contender. The Tigers could make a compelling offer if they decide to go all-in on their unexpected playoff push. Ultimately, the next 48 hours will be crucial in determining whether Duran changes uniforms or remains the Twins’ closer through October.