Minnesota Twins Draw Rave Reviews for Duran Deal

The Minnesota Twins didn’t have a trade in place for Jhoan Duran when he gave the hug heard round the world on Tuesday night. By Wednesday though, he was sent packing to the Philadelphia Phillies following a game against the Boston Red Sox.

Derek Falvey had no choice but to sell after the team came out of the All-Star Break and lost four-straight series. Listening on all of the expiring contracts, Duran would always command more with team control to his credit.

It had been reported that Minnesota was asking for the world in return for their high-leverage arms. It certainly seems like they got it.

MN Twins earn high grades for Jhoan Duran trade

Jhoan Duran owns a 2.01 ERA (2.48 FIP) this season and has arguably been the best version of himself. Making just $4.13 million and under team control through 2027, the Phillies had to hand Minnesota a bunch. In Mick Abel and Eduardo Tait they gave up two top 100 prospects and that certainly had to sting.

Tyler Kepner, senior writer for The Athletic, says they knocked it out of the park.

“The Phillies need a closer much more than the Twins do right now, so the return makes a great deal of sense for Minnesota. Tait is only 18, a lefty hitter with good pop, and if he can stay at catcher, he’s a great get. Abel’s career minor-league walk rate (5.1) is concerning, but he has sharply reduced it this season and looked good in three of his six Phillies starts. At 23, he’s another long-term keeper for Minnesota.

It’s hard to see the Twins regretting this deal. The Phillies might, in time, but they had no choice but to fix the bullpen, and Duran gives them a better chance to win a championship. That’s what matters most now.”

Tyler Kepner – The Athletic

Chad Jennings, who covers the Boston Red Sox for The Athletic, spoke glowingly of Minnesota’s return as well. He didn’t go with the “A” grade that Kepner did, but turned in a solid “A-“

“Could the Twins have held out for Andrew Painter? They could have tried — I’m sure they did try — but the Phillies weren’t going to do that. Instead, the Twins got a first-round pick in Abel, who’s resurrected his prospect status and could be in the Twins rotation the rest of the year. He’s ready. That’s immediate value with some upside. Does he need to get better? Sure, but the Twins aren’t the worst organization to get him there. They also add some lottery ticket upside in Tait, who might not be a catcher in the long run, but he sure can hit from the left side. There’s a decent floor with Abel, and a high ceiling with Tait. 

This is what a deadline deal is supposed to look like.”

Chad Jennings – The Athletic

As Jennings points out, the Minnesota Twins get an early return on the deal in Abel. He made his big league debut earlier this year and has shown mediocre results (5.04 ERA) across his first six big league starts.

That said, Abel owns a 2.31 ERA in 13 starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this year, and he was previously a consensus top 50 prospect. The rest of the way this season will be about letting young guys go, and Abel certainly should have opportunity.

Related: MN Twins Clubhouse Boils Over as Trade Deadline Looms

What else the MN Twins do on deadline day remains to be seen. With Duran and Chris Paddack gone, they still should remain one of the most active organizations up until it’s pencils down.