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Breakdown: What Star Closer Jhoan Durán Will Bring To The Phillies

Originally posted on EasySportz | By James O'Donnell | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 4:38 AM ET

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Phillies ignited the MLB trade deadline with a seismic acquisition, landing Minnesota Twins star closer Jhoan Durán in a deal that reshapes their bullpen. The trade, finalized Wednesday, sends right-handed pitcher Mick Abel and catching prospect Eduardo Tait to the Minnesota Twins, signaling Philadelphia’s all-in push for a World Series title.

Durán, a 27-year-old right-hander, brings electrifying stuff to the Phillies’ relief corps. His four-seam fastball averages 100.2 mph, among the fastest in baseball, paired with a 97.5 mph splitter and an upper-80s knuckle-curve that baffles hitters. This season, he boasts a 2.01 ERA across 49 appearances, securing 16 saves with 53 strikeouts in 49.1 innings. His ability to generate ground balls and swings-and-misses makes him a perfect fit for high-leverage situations. With José Alvarado sidelined by a PED suspension and ineligible for the postseason, Durán steps in as the Phillies’ definitive ninth-inning weapon. Manager Rob Thomson, known for mixing and matching relievers, now has a dominant closer to anchor a bullpen that ranks 23rd in ERA (4.33) and 27th in strikeouts.

Thank you, Jhoan Duran – for bringing the heat and the fire every time you came on the field!

We will miss your entrance, the leap and everything in between. Best of luck in, Philly pic.twitter.com/g3VEBLdCEw
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 31, 2025

Jhoan Durán is a Philadelphia Phillie.

Jhoan Durán has this team ready to roll.

The trade addresses a glaring weakness for Philadelphia, whose relief pitching has faltered despite a potent rotation and a lineup featuring Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. Durán’s arrival, with team control through 2027, ensures long-term stability. His $4.125 million salary for 2025, with arbitration-eligible raises expected in 2026 and 2027, offers cost certainty for a team eyeing sustained contention. Fans on social media platforms buzz with excitement, hailing Durán’s triple-digit heat and “splinker” as game-changers for October. His presence allows setup men like Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering to slide into more comfortable roles, fortifying the bridge to the ninth inning.

In return, the Twins acquire Mick Abel, a 23-year-old right-hander and Philadelphia’s 2020 first-round pick. Abel, ranked as the Phillies’ No. 6 prospect, posted a 5.04 ERA in six big-league starts this season, showing flashes of promise but struggling with command. His fastball touches 98 mph, and his curve and slider carry plus potential, but inconsistent location has hindered his progress. Minnesota sees him as a potential rotation piece with upside, though he remains a work in progress.

Eduardo Tait, an 18-year-old catcher, headlines the deal for Minnesota. Ranked as Philadelphia’s No. 4 prospect and is a consensus MLB top 100 prospect, Tait hit .255 with 11 homers across Class A and High-A this season. His plus power and improving defensive skills draw comparisons to former Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz, though questions linger about his long-term ability to stick behind the plate. At just 19 next month, Tait offers Minnesota a high-ceiling bat with years of control.

The trade, while costly, underscores Philadelphia’s urgency to capitalize on its championship window. With Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto nearing free agency, the Phillies prioritize immediate impact over prospect depth. Durán’s arrival transforms their bullpen into a strength, setting the stage for a deep postseason run.

This article first appeared on EasySportz and was syndicated with permission.

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