The 2025 MLB trade deadline is just under three weeks away on July 31, and it’s again taking shape to be a seller’s market given the number of teams still in postseason contention.
That includes the Minnesota Twins despite being well behind the first-place Detroit Tigers in the American League Central standings. Minnesota has gone on a surge in their last 10 games and it’s put them within reach of a Wild Card berth.
There nevertheless is some belief the Twins ultimately will look to sell at the trade deadline this year. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax have drawn interest from the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Los Angeles Dodgers might be involved as well:
The Philadelphia Phillies have been extensively scouting Minnesota Twins relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax of the Minnesota Twins, hoping to acquire at least one of them.
The Twins also are drawing strong interest from the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds.
The Phillies looking into Duran and Jax is hardly a surprise given relief pitching is their biggest need at the deadline. They are without José Alvarado, who was suspended 80 games in May due to a positive PED test, and Jordan Romano has been among their bullpen options to struggle.
Philadelphia additionally has been linked to Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase.
Jordan Romano has struggled, Jose Alvarado has been suspended and the rest of the bullpen has been shaky.
Do Dodgers need Jhoan Duran or Griffin Jax?
Duran, who is 27 years old, and Jax (30) are both under team control through the 2027 season.
Through 43 appearances this season, Duran is 5-3 with 15 saves, a 1.49 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. His 284 ERA+ would represent a career-best mark.
Jax enjoyed a breakout 2024 season but has regressed this year. He’s pitched to a 4.02 ERA and 1.24 WHIP, but Jax’s strikeouts per nine innings (14.50) and strikeout rate (38%) are both up from last season.
The Dodgers expect to welcome back Blake Treinen from the injured list during the second half and should see Brusdar Graterol make his season debut as well. However, Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott have both been inconsistent, and Evan Phillips was lost to Tommy John surgery.
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