Jhoan Duran's awe-inspiring response following his initial save for the Phillies
In a move that is expected to significantly strengthen their bullpen and bolster their playoff push, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired top-tier closer Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins in late July 2025.
Duran, one of the best relievers in baseball, boasts an impressive 2025 season ERA of around 2.00, 16 saves in 18 opportunities, and a high-velocity fastball averaging 100.3 mph. His addition gives the Phillies a reliable late-game shutdown option, a crucial asset for a playoff-contending team.
At the time of the trade, the Phillies were in a competitive position, holding the second wild card spot in the National League and trailing the first-place Mets in the NL East by just half a game. The acquisition of Duran addresses a bullpen need and could improve the Phillies’ chances of securing the division or playoff positioning, potentially helping them maintain or advance in the postseason race.
To acquire Duran, the Phillies traded two highly-ranked prospects—catcher Eduardo Tait (#4 prospect) and right-handed pitcher Mick Abel (#5 prospect). This trade signals the Phillies’ commitment to immediate success by upgrading their bullpen with a proven elite reliever who is under team control through 2027, rather than focusing on longer-term prospects.
In his debut with the Phillies, Duran recorded his 17th save of the season. He made quick work of the Detroit Tigers, throwing four pitches to get three outs and pick up his first save. His performance was met with enthusiasm from Philadelphia Phillies fans, as indicated by the hashtag #RingTheBell.
Duran expressed his excitement and pride about playing for the Phillies and performing in front of their fans. He stated that it was a dream come true for him. However, he did not express any specific sentiment about Jose Alvarado's ineligibility for the postseason.
With Duran in their bullpen, the Phillies have one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball to close games. As they chase an NL East title and a National League pennant, the Philadelphia Phillies are hoping for more saves from Duran.
The MLB trade deadline was particularly active this year, and the acquisition of Duran was one of the most significant moves made by any team. The addition of Duran to the Phillies bullpen is undoubtedly a game-changer for the team's late-inning pitching and their 2025 playoff push.
The acquisition of top-tier closer Jhoan Duran, one of the best relievers in baseball, has sparked rumors of the Philadelphia Phillies making a strong push towards the playoffs in the MLB. With Duran's addition to their bullpen, the Phillies now have a reliable shutdown option in crucial games, potentially bolstering their chances of securing either the NL East title or a wild card spot, and advancing in the postseason race. Furthermore, the trade for Duran underscores the Phillies' commitment to immediate success, even at the expense of highly-ranked prospects, as they look to capitalize on his substantial talents through 2027.
