Phillies would require 'magnificent haul' to trade 98.2 mph closer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Practically nothing has gone the Philadelphia Phillies' way this season.
At 10-19, they are tied with the New York Mets for the worst record in baseball and recently fired manager Rob Thomson.
April is just about over, but it's never too early to look ahead at the trade deadline. Philadelphia's deadline game plan depends on whether it can turn its misfortunes around.
Still, FanSided's Christopher Kline wonders if they'd be open to listening to trade offers for their closer, Jhoan Duran.
"That said, the Phillies might need to consider selling high at the deadline if their record stays in the basement," Kline wrote Wednesday. "Point blank, there's always interest in high-leverage arms — especially those with multiple years under contract left."
Besides Mason Miller, Duran may be the best closer in the Majors. He struck out eight and allowed just one earned run in 6.2 innings before hitting the injured list with a left oblique strain.
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Despite posting fantastic numbers with the Minnesota Twins and the Phillies during the second half of 2025, he's never earned an All-Star selection. Duran's average fastball velocity before his injury was 98.2 mph.
"Given the Phillies' desire to compete next year, however, this is probably a stretch. Dave Dombrowski is unafraid to extend his stars, and Durán was a fast fan favorite," Kline added. "His splinker and fastball combo remains the most unhittable two-pitch mix in the National League outside of Mason Miller's slider and fastball, so it would take a truly magnificent haul."
Trading Duran may not be something the Phillies consider right now, but the idea is not a terrible one if their play on the field stays subpar.
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