Phillies finally find an answer for closer role in trade

The Philadelphia Phillies may have finally found their closer.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Phillies acquired closer Jhoan Duran from the Twins. In exchange, the Phillies sent pitching prospect Mick Abel and catching prospect Eduardo Tait to Minnesota.

The Phillies had been interested in Duran but had reportedly balked at the Twins' demand that top prospect Andrew Painter be included in the deal. Those demands reportedly made fellow Twins reliever Griffin Jax their target ahead of Thursday's trade deadline (6 p.m. EST).

Duran gives the Phillies a long-term answer for the ninth inning as he is under team control through 2027. He had been one of the top relievers available, a proven shutdown closer with several teams desperately needing help in the ninth inning. Duran posted a 2.01 ERA and a 1.176 WHiP over his 49.1 innings entering Wednesday, notching 16 saves while striking out 53 batters with 18 walks. 

In exchange, the Phillies sent a pair of top 100 prospects to Minnesota. Tait had been the Phillies' fourth-best prospect per MLB.com, drawing comparisons to former Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz. Tait is considered to have a knack for putting the barrel on the ball and consistently making hard contact, allowing him to tap into his plus power. Although his defense is still a work in progress, the 18-year-old has a strong arm and has made strides defensively over the past year.

Abel, the Phillies' sixth ranked prospect, had been a consensus top 100 prospect from 2021-23. He has struggled with his command throughout his time in the minors but was finally able to harness a solid four pitch mix highlighted by a mid 90s fastball. Although Abel has struggled in a brief stint in the majors — a 5.04 ERA and a 1.360 WHiP over 25 innings, striking out 21 batters with nine walks — he has dominated at Triple-A. Abel had a 2.31 ERA and a 1.162 WHiP in 74 innings at Lehigh Valley, striking out 81 batters with 32 walks.

This could end up being a trade that benefits both sides for years to come. The Phillies finally have their closer while the Twins receive a pitcher with top-of-the-rotation upside and an impressive catching prospect.