The Philadelphia Phillies are finalizing a bombshell trade for Minnesota Twins pitcher Jhoan Duran, according to reports.
According to ESPN, the deal will see two Phillies prospects – right-hander Mick Abel and catcher Eduardo Tait – head to Minnesota in exchange for closer Duran.
The 6-foot-5 phenom is viewed as one of MLB’s star pitchers and boasts the second-fastest fastball in the majors – along with a 2.01 ERA and 16 saves in 49.1 innings.
ESPN reporter Jeff Passan claimed that ‘the biggest move of the deadline so far is almost complete.’
Overall, Duran has played 4 seasons for the Twins and has 17 wins, 23 losses, 74 saves, an ERA of 2.47 and 292 strikeouts.
The Twins are in a position where they need to decide whether to retool their current roster or to rebuild by trading away key players for future assets.
The Philadelphia Phillies are finalizing a trade for Minnesota Twins pitcher Jhoan Duran
The acquisition of prospects Abel and Tait suggests that the franchise are prepared to rebuild for the future.
Meanwhile, the Twins have other late-inning options, such as Griffin Jax, who has a 2.98 ERA in 2025 and is also under control through 2027.
This depth may have reduced the urgency to retain Duran, especially if they view Jax or prospects like Randy Dobnak as viable alternatives.
Duran’s last outing for the Twins came on Monday night, as he picked up a win over the Boston Red Sox.
Minnesota are now set to head to Cleveland and Detroit for their next six games, while the Phillies will host the Tigers for three games from Friday.
More to follow…