The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired right-handed pitcher Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins in a move aimed at strengthening their bullpen ahead of Thursday’s 6 p.m. ET MLB Trade Deadline. In exchange, the Phillies sent two top prospects, catcher Eduardo Tait and right-hander Mick Abel, to Minnesota.
This trade is considered the most significant deadline deal made by Dave Dombrowski since he became president of baseball operations for the Phillies five seasons ago. The front office had identified the bullpen as a weakness this season and prioritized finding help before the deadline.
“It’s huge,” said Bryce Harper. “He has faith in our ability, in this team, to win games. We’ve got a really good chance to win a World Series this year.”
“Whenever you make a splash for a high caliber player, that means something,” added Kyle Schwarber. “Personally, I remember ‘16 when [the Cubs] traded for Aroldis Chapman. It just kind of lifted the spirits of everyone. And I feel like that’s going to be the same thing.”
Dombrowski indicated that further moves could be possible before the deadline passes. The Phillies are reportedly looking for an additional right-handed bat to bolster their offense and have been linked with players such as Harrison Bader, Luis Robert Jr., and Eugenio Suárez.
“We’re not done,” Dombrowski said. “We’re not done talking. The Deadline isn’t over. We’ll just see what ends up happening. I really don’t know. They’re tough to acquire, too, right now.”
Jhoan Duran will immediately take over as closer for Philadelphia—a decision confirmed by both Dombrowski and manager Rob Thomson.
“He should be,” Harper said regarding Duran’s new role as closer. “I mean, the numbers don’t lie. He’s one of the best in baseball. He’s in the game, it’s usually over.”
Duran brings an impressive record this season: 6-4 with a 2.01 ERA and 16 saves; his fastball averages more than 100 mph and he also features a splitter, curveball, and sweeper.
Unlike many trade acquisitions at this time of year who are pending free agents (“rentals”), Duran remains under team control through 2027—a factor cited by Dombrowski as key to making such a substantial offer.
“We just thought he was the best guy out there,” Dombrowski said about acquiring Duran instead of pursuing other closers who would have required trading away Andrew Painter—Philadelphia’s top prospect—who will not be moved before this deadline.
Eduardo Tait is ranked No. 56 among prospects by MLB Pipeline; he recently advanced to High-A Jersey Shore but needs further development behind the plate despite strong hitting potential. Mick Abel returned to MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list after rebounding from previous struggles; he debuted impressively earlier this season but has spent recent weeks pitching well at Triple-A.
With several core players—including Schwarber, J.T Realmuto, and Ranger Suárez—approaching free agency after this season and much of their roster entering their early thirties, Philadelphia is focused on contending now rather than waiting for prospects to develop.
Recent postseason disappointments were attributed partly to bullpen shortcomings; efforts last offseason to address those issues via signings such as Jordan Romano and Joe Ross have not yielded desired results due in part to injuries or underperformance.
Negotiations between Philadelphia and Minnesota accelerated Wednesday morning after days of discussion before finalizing on Abel and Tait as compensation for Duran—a pitcher Minnesota valued highly because Abel could soon join their rotation.
“I really didn’t think that this one was possible a couple days ago,” said Dombrowski about reaching agreement with Minnesota.
Looking ahead, Philadelphia expects its bullpen composition will change significantly within weeks: along with newly acquired Duran joining Friday against Pittsburgh (https://www.mlb.com/phillies/schedule/2025-08), David Robertson may return from Triple-A Lehigh Valley soon while José Alvarado nears completion of an 80-game suspension (though he is ineligible for postseason play).
By mid-August they could feature relievers including Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, Robertson or Alvarado alongside Tanner Banks—with remaining spots contested among others such as Romano or Ross once Aaron Nola returns from injury (https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-nola-injury-update).
“It obviously sends a message,” Matt Strahm commented on management’s approach leading up to Thursday’s deadline.“But what this clubhouse has been through since `22,we don’t need a message.We know what we’ve got to do,and whatever they give us or don’t,we’re gonna go do it.”
But having Jhoan Duran definitely helps.
