Apr 9, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) pitches against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Jay Biggerstaff
Jhoan Durán pulled a prank during Tuesday night's Minnesota Twins game when he hugged teammates in front of cameras to make people believe he was being traded. But the real hugs might not be far off.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com and Jon Heyman of The New York Post both passed along interesting nuggets pertaining to Durán Wednesday afternoon, with just over 24 hours until Thursday's 6 p.m. ET trade deadline:
Source says “things are moving” on Jhoan Duran. Twins could move their closer today.
Phillies and Red Sox are among many teams prominently in on Jhoan Duran. Yankees, Mets, Mariners and others are also in mix https://t.co/PxcX9rH6RO
It is worth pointing out that The Athletic's Jayson Stark suggested earlier today in an appearance with Mike Missanelli on 97.5 The Fanatic that he thought Griffin Jax was the more likely Twins bullpen target for the Phillies. This isn't because Durán isn't someone they would like, but because it appeared the Twins wanted No. 1 prospect Andrew Painter — who, by all accounts, is still off the table in trade talks — in return for their star closer.
#Twins RP Griffin Jax has become the top target for the #Phillies, per Jayson Stark.
Stark also noted that SP Andrew Painter is the dealbreaker in negotiations with the #Twins for Jhoan Duran.#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/JvmTOgdnR8
Perhaps the price has lowered a bit on Durán with the trade deadline looming. It's hard to think that the Phillies have changed their stance on Painter, who had one of the best starts of his minor-league career Wednesday afternoon for Triple-A Lehigh Valley:
MLB's No. 8 prospect Andrew Painter (@Phillies) exceeds 100 pitches for the first time in his career as he spins a quality start for the @IronPigs:
6.1 IP
7 H
1 R
2 BB
4K
103 pitches; 65 strikes pic.twitter.com/DgRsmIa5qZ
But, if the Twins are willing to take a package headlined around some of the other top prospects in the organization — such as SS Aidan Miller, CF Justin Crawford, C Eduardo Tait or infielder Aroon Escobar — then perhaps a deal will be reached.
Clearly, the Phillies are in need of a Durán-like figure at the back of their bullpen. Now in his fourth MLB season, the 27-year-old has a 2.01 ERA in 49 games this season. He's also recorded 74 saves so far in his MLB career, and can't become a free agent until after the 2027 season.