Rocco Baldelli is basically holding open tryouts for the leftovers, where Justin Topa has been the latest reliever to get a crack at the Twins’ now-vacant closer role, an opportunity he has taken advantage of so far. Of course, he doesn’t bring the heat like Jhoan Duran does, either on the mound or during his entrance.

The Phillies paid a premium price for the MN Twins closer, which made the scene at Nationals Park in Washington DC Friday night — where Duran was on the mound for his new team to finish off the Nationals for Philly’s 70th win of the season — even harder to digest.

Disaster strikes former MN Twins closer Jhoan Duran

In the bottom of the 9th inning, Washington infielder Paul DeJong sat on an 87.1 mph Jhoan Duran bender that he lined back at the Phillies’ closer (94.1 mph exit velo), hitting him first in the left knee, then ricocheting off his right foot and toward first base.

Duran hobbled after the ball that ricocheted all the way to the first base dugout. Once he crossed the first base line though, he pulled up in legitimate pain. After being unable to put weight on the foot, Duran was picked up by the bullpen cart and taken off the field.

Former Twins closer Jhoan Duran was carted off tonight after taking a comebacker to the foot. pic.twitter.com/eJBi9bexRF

— Ted (@tlschwerz) August 16, 2025

It has been over two weeks since the Phillies received Jhoan Duran from the Twins, in exchange for the second-best prospect moved at the deadline. Now, Philadelphia is left hoping for a best-case scenario. Because last night didn’t look good…

Phillies need Jhoan Duran in a bad way

When Philadelphia traded for Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Durand they grabbed the best reliever moved at the deadline. It cost the a top 50 prospect, and another former top 100 prospect as well.

This was just Duran’s fifth outing for the Phillies. Across four innings he has allowed just a single hit with three strikeouts and no walks. To suggest he has been everything Philadelphia has hoped for would be accurate.

Thankfully, the x-rays on Duran’s foot came back negative. There shouldn’t be much concern about a muscle malady for this type of circumstance. He’s still likely to be very sore for a bit, and not having the full complement of his lower half on the mound is tough.

X-rays on Jhoan Duran were negative. He will be evaluated further tomorrow, according to the Phillies.

— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) August 16, 2025

Related: Top MN Twins Pitching Prospect Shut Down

While the Minnesota Twins won’t make the postseason, Duran and the Phillies certainly will. They want him at the back end of their bullpen when they get there.

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.

It was another ugly loss against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, but Jhoan Duran was guaranteed to avoid the mound because of it. With multiple teams closing in, a deal got done before the Twins needed to get on a plane to Cleveland.

Philadelphia deals for MN Twins closer Jhoan Duran

Derek Falvey has been floating Jhoan Duran in trade talks as the trade deadline has draw closer. The Philadelphia Phillies were among the most interested teams and the Twins had talked about prospect Andrew Painter. They didn’t land him, but got a deal done anyways.

The Twins and Phillies deal is agreed upon. Right-hander Mick Abel and catcher Eduardo Tait are going to Minnesota for closer Jhoan Duran, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2025

Duran heads to the Phillies with a 2.01 ERA (2.49 FIP) in arguably the best season of his career. He brings high-leverage talent to a Philadelphia bullpen that seriously needs help. By fWAR, Duran has been the 13th-best reliever in baseball, and he’s set to join former Twins teammate Max Kepler.

Eduardo Tait is the top prospect in the deal from Philadelphia. He is the Phillies 4th-best prospect per MLB Pipeline and a fringe top 100 consensus prospect. He’s an 18-year-old catcher at High-A with a .255/.319/.434 slash line this season.

#Phillies No. 4 prospect Eduardo Tait recorded two doubles and drove in a pair of runs Sunday during his first three-hit game at High-A.@USAFRecruiting #AimHigh pic.twitter.com/DEQc5wPORs

— Jersey Shore BlueClaws (@BlueClaws) July 29, 2025

Of course there’s an exceptional amount of uncertainty when dealing with teenagers. The Twins are certainly hoping that Tait can be a future asset behind the dish, and someone that provides a level of stability they haven’t had since Joe Mauer.

Beyond just Tait, Mick Abel is a former 15th overall pick (2020) and has already made his big league debut. In 74 innings at the Triple-A level this season Abel owns a 2.31 ERA with a 9.9 K/9. He has just six big league starts under his belt, and he has allowed 14 runs on 25 hits in 25 innings.

Mick Abel is only 23 and has pitched in 6 games this season with a 5.04 ERA. 2.31 ERA in the minors. Talent is there!

Phillies #6 prospect, with a fastball in the high 90s. Really excited about this pickup#MNTwins
pic.twitter.com/hZRRGfz6xD

— Twins Talk (@LetsTalk_Twins) July 30, 2025

Like Tait, Abel was a consensus top 100 prospect. The upside here is immense for Minnesota considering the team control on both assets. Losing Jhoan Duran won’t be easy, but the transition to the next phase of competitiveness has begun.

Both Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran are among the best options on the open market. It’s possible that Derek Falvey deals both of them, but it seems pretty certain he’ll move at least one.

Duran has been trending towards a new team for a while now, and Wednesday the talks have started to intensify.

Jhoan Duran market heating up for Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins called on Jhoan Duran Monday night against the Boston Red Sox. He allowed a run on a hit and pair of walks across his one inning of work. He got the win thanks to a Brooks Lee walkoff, but that may be the last outing of his Minnesota career.

Source says “things are moving” on Jhoan Duran. Twins could move their closer today.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 30, 2025

The Mariners are making a play to try to acquire Jhoan Duran from the Twins. Nothing finalized. Many teams have been in on the star closer. Expectation is Duran will be traded today.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 30, 2025

With talks intensifying, and the Twins trailing the Boston Red Sox by a sizable amount on Wednesday, there’s no reason for Duran to enter the game. Following the series with the AL East competitor, they will get on a plane and fly to Cleveland. Duran may not need a ticket for that flight.

Duran has a 2.01 ERA (2.49 FIP) across 49 1/3 innings this season. It is arguably the best production of his career and he has been the 13th best reliever in baseball by fWAR.

Jhoan Duran's full entrance because it's fun at night pic.twitter.com/r4Tvqv0Som

— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) July 12, 2025

There are multiple teams that would love to trot out Duran as they look to win down the stretch and ultimately grab a World Series ring. It will be sad to see such a dominant reliever leave the organization. Minnesota grabbed Duran in the Eduardo Escobar trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and it was Gabriel Maciel who headlined that deal.

Related: Report: Houston Astros Coming for MN Twins Carlos Correa

The Twins developed Duran as a starter, then unleashed him as a dominant reliever. He has been among the most electric pitchers to ever put on a Twins uniform, and his intro will certainly be missed.

Dodgers and Phillies lurking on MN Twins Duran

Minnesota just played the Los Angeles Dodgers and dropped the series. They won’t see the Philadelphia Phillies until the final series of the year. Both teams are coming in hot for Jhoan Duran.

The Minnesota Twins are expected to trade closer Jhoan Duran by the end of the day with the Los Angeles Dodgers in strong pursuit.
The Twins have also been in heavy discussions with the Phillies but have not lowered their asking price of prized pitching prospect Andrew Painter.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 30, 2025

What the ask is from Los Angeles remains unknown. The Dodgers, as always, do have a strong farm system. Minnesota wants Andrew Painter from the Phillies and that would be quite the get.

Painter is a consensus top-20 prospect across baseball, and he actually had Tommy John surgery following a 2023 Grapefruit League game against the MN Twins.

Across 13 starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season Painter owns a 4.82 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings. The Phillies would certainly love to include other prospects, but it’s great that the Twins are cornering the market and asking for the moon.

Minnesota has assets all over the place for contending teams. Among the most coveted may be their pitchers. Joe Ryan, Jhoan Duran, and Griffin Jax are all available for differing levels of returns. The haul for each should be substantial and Derek Falvey knows what he has.

Every team looking at the postseason could use some of Minnesota’s talent, and that puts them in the driver’s seat.

Minnesota Twins have what everyone wants

From the jump, the controllable assets most assumed to draw attention from the Minnesota Twins were Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax. Each are a high-leverage reliever, and among the best in the game. They are also under team control and cost very little. ESPN insider Jeff Passan reports the demand for those types of players certainly outweighs the supply.

“The number of teams that want high-leverage relief pitchers — and the relative paucity of them on the market. St. Louis’ Ryan Helsley is the top rental option. And then there is the group of controllable arms who could move but don’t have to: Pittsburgh’s David Bednar, Minnesota’s Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax, and Tampa Bay’s Pete Fairbanks.

Considering the number of teams that desire impact relief help — the Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, both New York teams and the Los Angeles Dodgers — the ones that have it are understandably holding out for a strong return. There are second- and third-tier relievers, sure, but there isn’t enough elite supply for the demand that exists.”

Jeff Passan – ESPN

Of the names out there, it’s hard not to consider Duran and Jax near the top. The former owns a 2.01 ERA (2.49 FIP) and the latter checks in with a 3.91 ERA (2.01 FIP). Jax has compiled 1.5 fWAR this season with Duran generating 1.3 on his own.

Among relievers across all of baseball, Jax’s fWAR checks in 5th with Duran at 13th. To acquire that sort of talent with just a couple of months left in the season and the postseason on your mind, a new team would be adding a substantial piece.

Related: Report: Houston Astros Coming for MN Twins Carlos Correa

With the market being relatively dry when it comes to top-tier relief pitching, Derek Falvey can work through different scenarios with potential suitors. He should have more possible buyers than he knows what to do with, and capitalizing on the market makes a good deal of sense.

Do both MN Twins relievers go?

At times it has seemed unlikely that Minnesota would trade both Duran and Jax. Each is under team control through the 2027 season, and neither should become all that costly. That said, if the market is really that barren on options, then the returns might be too good to pass up.

Unfortunately the Minnesota Twins are not currently a good baseball team. At 51-56 they are rudderless without a direction the rest of the way. A team like that doesn’t need high-leverage relief arms. They could contend again in 2026, but there is so much uncertainty regarding ownership of the team.

Griffin Jax, Wicked Sweepers…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/MEteME6Hkm

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 29, 2025

If Falvey can find peak value for his high-leverage arms, it makes a good amount of sense that both of them would be traded. Minnesota has developed both Duran and Jax into what they are today. It would be sad to see them leave, but the play of the team as a whole has the front office in this position.

Thursday’s MLB trade deadline could be among the most wild in Twins franchise history.

Derek Falvey still has more pieces to move, and reports have suggested contenders are calling on everyone. The high leverage relief arms may be the best pieces that Minnesota deals. Those guys have to hear the rumors getting louder as well.

Jhoan Duran pitched on Monday night in Minnesota’s walk-off win against Boston. Early on during Tuesday’s game against the Red Sox, he played with the emotions of everyone looking for him to swap teams.

Jhoan Duran with a viral hug for Minnesota Twins

Players are often traded while a game is taking place. Minnesota doesn’t need to wait until after Tuesday’s contest to pull the trigger on a deal that would capitalize on Jhoan Duran’s trade value. He hasn’t been dealt yet though, he just tricked everyone into thinking he was.

Jhoan Duran was seen on the broadcast getting a hug and leaving the bullpen 👀 pic.twitter.com/nFw7DH4DAZ

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 30, 2025

Jhoan Duran has not been traded. He was just hugging his bullpen catcher because that's what friends do sometimes.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2025

As insider Jeff Passan notes, Duran’s hug with bullpen catcher Frank Nigro was just two guys being dudes. Nigro looked to get a little grab of the booty in the process as well. That doesn’t mean the moment didn’t send the baseball world into a frenzy.

Said one person with the #MNTwins: "I think (Jhoan Duran) hugged Frank – like he always does."

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) July 30, 2025

JUST IN: Jhoan Duran loves a good hug. #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/P9oViUaCq0

— SKOR North – Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) July 30, 2025

Duran definitely didn’t know the camera was going to be on him in that moment. However, there is probably not a hug that will take place during a game in the next couple of days and not be caught by the broadcast.

The 27-year-old closer owns a 2.01 ERA (2.48 FIP) across 49 1/3 innings this season. He is under team control through 2027 and is making just $4.13 million this season.

Although Duran wasn’t giving out hugs indicating a trade yet, it still remains possible he does by the close of business on Thursday.

For Derek Falvey to get significant value he’ll need to part with controllable assets. Starting pitcher Joe Ryan would command an absolute haul. Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax will return plenty as well, but they are bullpen arms.

Multiple suitors have been rumored in the leadup to the deadline. We’ve already seen a blockbuster that Bowden would like to see happen. There are a couple of new intriguing proposed landing spots on the radar as well.

Minnesota Twins deal with the Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies are a team that Bowden has said have been in contact with the Minnesota Twins. They could use relief help as well as something on the position player front. ESPN’s Paul “Hembo” Hembekides says Minnesota is exactly where they should turn. He’s calling for them to acquire Griffin Jax and Willi Castro.

“The Phillies’ need for a reliever is well-documented — Jordan Romano has pitched to a 6.99 ERA and Jose Alvarado is ineligible for the postseason because of his PED suspension. Jax’s underlying metrics (40.7% chase rate, 39.7% whiff rate, 36.9% strikeout rate) are cartoonishly good and suggest his 3.91 ERA is artificially inflated.

Philadelphia’s need for another bat is likewise acute: Since May 1, second baseman Bryson Stott (60 wRC+) and left fielder Max Kepler (72 wRC+) have been among baseball’s worst regulars at the plate. Not only has Castro posted an above-average batting line in each of the past three seasons (105 OPS+ over that span) but the utility player has also logged more than 300 innings this season in both the infield and the outfield.”

Paul Hembekides – ESPN

If the Phillies were to acquire Jax and Castro they’d join former Twins teammate Max Kepler. Although Jax has a higher ERA (3.91) than his teammate Jhoan Duran (2.01), he owns a lower FIP (2.00) and xFIP (1.71). His 1.5 fWAR also bests Duran’s 1.2.

At 30 years old Jax has presumably less future upside than the 27-year-old Duran. However, with how good his stuff is (especially the sweeper) he’s going to generate a nice return.

Griffin Jax, Wicked Sweepers…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/MEteME6Hkm

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 29, 2025

Castro, unlike Jax, is an impending free agent. The 28-year-old has an identical 108 OPS+ this year as he did in 2024 as an All-Star. His .252/.343/.418 slash line is above the .247/.331/.385 mark from last season. He can play the infield or outfield and is an ideal trade acquisition.

Related: Top Contenders Blowing MN Twins Up Over Trade Assets

Including Jax would up the return from Philadelphia as it’s not just a rental situation. Andrew Painter, the Phillies top prospect, is probably off the table. Aidan Miller, Justin Crawford, and Edouard Tait should all be part of the discussion though.

New York Yankees a fit for MN Twins too

If the Twins are going to trade controllable assets then Jax and fellow leverage arm Jhoan Duran are the most likely. Duran could be the most impactful reliever moved on the market Tristan Cockroft is calling for the New York Yankees to do the deal.

“Minnesota sends the right-hander to New York in exchange for starting pitcher Carlos Lagrange and second baseman Roc Riggio. The Yankees are sorely in need of bullpen help: Among their top five relievers from the Opening Day roster, two have underperformed expectations (Devin Williams and Luke Weaver) and two are sidelined with long-term injuries (Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr.). They rank 21st in bullpen ERA (4.25).

Acquiring Duran will be costly — Lagrange has a similarly filthy fastball to Duran’s and has been dominating in Double-A (2.35 ERA, 38.8 K% in his past six starts) — but why not go big when you’re a defending league champion in need? Duran, with his 100 mph heater, presents a nice contrast in styles to Williams’ Airbender and Weaver’s rising fastball. Remember, a dominant bullpen was critical to the Yankees’ playoff run last year — theirs had a 2.67 postseason ERA”

Tristan Cockroft – ESPN

Duran might be the arm to net Minnesota more, even if Jax winds up being the better pickup. The Yankees need bullpen help and Cockroft is confident that Duran can provide it.

Minnesota’s closer is having arguably the best season of his career. He owns a 2.01 ERA (2.48 FIP) and still strikes out batters in droves despite slightly diminished velocity. He’d quickly become New York’s top relief arm and the franchise doesn’t look to make the playoffs and not win.

Lagrange is ranked as the 94th overall prospect by MLB Pipeline, and second in the Yankees system. Riggio is the 10th prospect for New York. Maybe George Lombard Jr. is a non-starter (29th in MLB), but he’s someone Minnesota would be wise to ask on.

Related: One Player the MN Twins are Supposedly Trading

Where Jax, Castro, and Duran go prior to Thursday’s deadline remains to be seen. It does seem like at least two of them will be moved though.

Selling off impending free agents is one thing. If Derek Falvey wants to really shake things up and generate a sizable return, then controllable assets are the focal point.

Joe Ryan is arguably the best asset potentially on the trade block. Relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax aren’t far behind. According to a new report, contenders have Falvey’s phone ablaze in their pursuit of everything the Twins have to offer.

Teams circling Minnesota Twins trade candidates

The hope was that the Minnesota Twins could be good this season. That hasn’t happened and it’s why they are sellers. That doesn’t mean they don’t have good pieces and former general manager Jim Bowden says top contenders are coming for everyone.

The #RedSox #Yankees #BlueJays #Phillies and #Mariners are speed dialing the #Twins at an annoying level with continued interest in Joe Ryan, basically their whole bullpen, Willi Castro and Harrison Bader. Twins could end up being the headliner at the deadline as talks heat up…

— Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) July 29, 2025

Bowden mentions the Red Sox, Yankees, and Blue Jays which is virtually the entire competitive group in the AL East. The Phillies and Mariners also have significant hopes on competing for a World Series this season.

He’s not alone in suggesting the Twins are continuing to work on moves. MLB Network insider Jon Morosi lists additional teams calling on different pieces from Minnesota.

The Twins are not done making trades, after yesterday’s deal with the Tigers.

The Cubs, Blue Jays and Dodgers have checked in on the Minnesota bullpen arms.

Harrison Bader is a popular name today, too.@MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 29, 2025

Those teams could use any number of the assets the Minnesota Twins have on the table. Falvey is in an interesting position because his best assets cover virtually any need for a contender. There is starting pitching, leverage bullpen arms, and impending free agent bats.

Related: Former GM Calls for Twins to Complete Blockbuster

Prior to talks heating up Bowden suggested the Los Angeles Dodgers should pull off a blockbuster with multiple Twins players going out west. We have seen Harrison Bader mentioned as a candidate for the Dodgers as well.

When there is this much smoke regarding so many of Minnesota’s players it’s hard to think that a multitude of them won’t change teams. Falvey could have a really busy Thursday if more deals aren’t done before deadline day.

MN Twins must control the market

When fielding calls on expiring contracts there isn’t much control a team can have. That said, Bader, Willi Castro, and Danny Coulombe all look like premier options as rentals. Minnesota should be out to try and extract the best return possible.

Regarding either Duran or Jax, teams have to have amped up their efforts in the wake of Emmanuel Clase’s suspension. The Guardians closer is not a trade candidate any longer, and that puts an even greater target on the Twins top two arms. The front office should be asking for the moon and watching someone pay in the stars.

Jhoan Duran, 101mph Fastball and 98mph Splinker, Overlay.

Good luck. 😯 pic.twitter.com/NeJkELwvUd

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 26, 2025

I hesitate to think that trading Joe Ryan is a great idea. He would unquestionably net the MN Twins a massive return. His acquisition was also the best move this regime has ever made on the trade market. However, Ryan could be part of the next competitive team. His return could also work out like the two top 100 prospects Minnesota received for Jose Berrios (Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson).

Related: Minnesota Twins Trade Veteran Starter to Division Rival

At the end of the deadline, Minnesota is going to have more than just Paddack having changed allegiances. They can’t look back at the results and be happy that they cleared salary for ownership though. It has to mean more, especially with this much interest.

Buck makes these catches look way too easy pic.twitter.com/JJOH8KmWJ0

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 26, 2025

On Sunday Rocco Baldelli is starting outfielder Harrison Bader in centerfield with Buxton on the bench. Bader has been arguably the Twins best free agent pickup of the season. He’s certain to have value at the trade deadline. That means the time in which he can cover for Buxton or be part of the lineup is coming to a close.

The Dodgers have been rumored as a suitor for multiple Minnesota Twins trade candidates, and now they’re interested in Bader too.

Los Angeles Dodgers Interested in Minnesota Twins Harrison Bader

If the Los Angeles Dodgers want to pull the trigger on a trade for bullpen help in the form of Griffin Jax or Jhoan Duran it’s going to cost them handsomely. They would need to part with much less to get Harrison Bader as a rental and Bob Nightengale is reporting they are considering it.

“The biggest surprise at the trade deadline would be if the Dodgers don’t come up with another closer. They have checked in with virtually every team for bullpen help. They also are looking to upgrade their outfield with Michael Conforto’s season-long struggles and have expressed interest in Minnesota Twins outfielder Harrison Bader and Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan.”

Bob Nightengale – USA Today

There has been plenty of discussion regarding the Dodgers and relievers. Tanner Scott just went on the injured list with an elbow injury that occurred while playing the Minnesota Twins. Kirby Yates has been mediocre, and a team wanting to repeat as World Series Champions needs certainty in high-leverage spots.

Interest in Bader isn’t unexpected, but this is the first we have heard by Los Angeles. In 92 games this season Bader is batting .250/.332/.435 with 12 home runs. His 109 OPS+ is well above the 93 OPS+ career average, and not far from his career-high 114 OPS+.

Harrison Bader you magnificent bastard pic.twitter.com/ONkLybn2y7

— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) July 6, 2025

Bader, like Buxton, is also a standout defender. He has transitioned to left field seamlessly and looked like a star there too. He plays centerfield when Buxton is not in the lineup, and he could play either of the spots for the Dodgers.

Former general manager Jim Bowden proposed the Twins completing a blockbuster with Los Angeles. That included both Jax and Duran as well as utility man Willi Castro. Bader could be the inclusion instead, and a substantial return would still be logical.

Related: Former GM Calls for Twins to Complete Blockbuster

Bader should have suitors beyond just Los Angeles, but that swap would bring him back to the National League where he has spent the majority of his nine-year career. It’s been fun watching him lose his cap as he patrols the Target Field grass. It will be fun to see him get a chance to go win elsewhere the rest of the way.

Duran expected to be moved by Minnesota Twins

Nightengale also mentioned that teams expect Duran to be traded. While the Twins have yet to execute on anything, time is ticking with Thursday’s deadline quickly approaching. They absolutely have to sell on the trio of talented free agents, of which Bader is included (along with Castro and Danny Coulombe). How far they dip into their controllable assets is where the sizable prospect return could truly happen.

Jhoan Duran, 102mph ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/bgmluPYopm

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 26, 2025

Teams are treating Duran as one of the top three bullpen arms expected to switch teams. Griffin Jax is not among that group according to Nightengale. The other two names included are the Pittsburgh Pirates David Bednar and the St. Louis Cardinals Ryan Helsley.

There has been so much smoke regarding Duran it’s almost unfathomable to think that he can be pulled off the table at this point. The hope would be that Derek Falvey is able to execute a deal that brings back a return worthy of moving on from the elite close.

Buxton’s status unknown for MN Twins

Beyond just moving Bader, the Minnesota Twins are still awaiting an update on Byron Buxton. He left the game on Saturday night, but is now headed for an MRI.

Buxton has been incredible for the Twins this season. He earned a trip to the All-Star Game and has a .282/.343/.561 slash line. His 23 home runs put him in striking distance of his career-high 28. He has also played in 85 games and been healthy outside of an unfortunate collision with Carlos Correa.

Last year was the first season Buxton has played 100 games (102) since 2017 (140), and just the second time in his career. There is plenty of time for him to get there this season, but that requires him to remain healthy.

Hopefully the MRI reveals nothing of significance and Buxton is simply seeing a reflection of the Minnesota Twins utilizing an abundance of caution.

If potential trade partners want to pry away their most intriguing assets, names like Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and Joe Ryan — all of whom are under Twins control through 2027 — Derek Falvey has made it clear those teams will have to bring an offer to the negotiating table that’s so good, they may very well regret it down the road.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one team that has reportedly been poking around on the Twins’ pitching talent, which looked great during a 1-0 win over the Washington Nationals on Friday. But at least for now, according to Ken Rosenthal (The Athletic) they cannot get past Minnesota’s crazy high asking prices on Jhoan Duran.

Jhoan Duran too rich for Los Angeles Dodgers

“The Los Angeles Dodgers do not want to overpay for reliever volatility when they’re already living through reliever volatility. So, it seems doubtful they will pay sticker price for a late-inning type such as the Cleveland Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase or Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran, assuming those pitchers are even traded.”

Ken Rosenthal – The Athletic

Duran sits atop the MLB trade market, at just 27 years old, making only $4.13 million and under team control for two more full seasons. Thus, the Dodgers think he could be the answer to their Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates’ woes.

This offseason the Dodgers spent handsomely on their bullpen. Brusdar Graterol, Tanner Scott, Evan Phillips, and Blake Treinen are all hurt. Yates was an expensive ($13 million) acquisition, but has been mediocre.

Jhoan Duran, 102mph ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/bgmluPYopm

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 26, 2025

Duran (or Jax for that matter) would immediately be the highest-leverage reliever in Dave Roberts’ bullpen. The problem is that Los Angeles would again be paying the freight for bullpen help. After they did that this offseason and haven’t seen it bear fruit, it’s hard to move prospect capital to make it happen.

Related: Minnesota Twins Demanding Insane Return for Talented Relievers

The Twins closer is having one of the best seasons of his career. He owns a 1.90 ERA with a 52/16 K/BB across 47 1/3 innings. Los Angeles should want every part of that, but if it costs them a pair of top 100 prospects as Minnesota has asked, it’s probably a non-starter.

There’s a possibility the Twins look to decrease the asking price as Thursday’s trade deadline draws closer. There is no reason to believe an acquiring team won’t hurt a bit though when bringing the established high-leverage arms aboard.

Could MN Twins work something out for Duran with Dodgers?

It’s possible that the Minnesota Twins find a path forward regarding Duran or Jax by including additional talent. Asking a team to pay for relief help is a bit difficult. If there are multiple arms though, or another talent included, it gets a bit more logical.

Former general manager Jim Bowden called for the MN Twins to pull off a massive blockbuster with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That deal included Minnesota’s two best relievers as well as Willi Castro. That’s arguably the cream of the crop that could realistically be moved by Derek Falvey.

Related: Former GM Calls for Twins to Complete Blockbuster

It remains to be seen if Minnesota ends up moving their controllable assets. There’s little reason to think that they will get much in terms of prospect capital for their impending free agents. If they want to shake up the roster, and make a move of consequence, this may be the way to go about it.