Could Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies Align on Blockbuster Bullpen Trade?

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Philadelphia Phillies look like one of the league’s most aggressive buyers. With one of MLB’s best records and control of the NL East, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has made it clear that his focus is on bolstering one area: the bullpen.

“Our starting pitching’s so good,” Dombrowski told Daniel Alvarez Montes of El Extrabase. “When [Bryce] Harper comes back, our lineup is in pretty good shape at that time. It’s probably bullpen [that] is our biggest focus.”

The Phillies have reason to feel confident in most areas of their roster. Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suárez are Cy Young contenders, the lineup is deep, and even with José Alvarado suspended for PEDs, the team has several effective bullpen arms. Still, the bullpen has been a relative weak spot. Philadelphia’s relievers own a 4.63 ERA (25th in MLB), a home run rate near the bottom of the league, and only middle-of-the-pack strikeout and walk numbers.

Dombrowski, never shy about being aggressive, even acknowledged that sometimes a team has to overpay to seize a win-now moment. In an interview with The Athletic, he referenced his 2022 deal that sent top-10 prospect Ben Brown to the Cubs in exchange for rental reliever David Robertson. The gamble paid off in the short term, with Robertson contributing down the stretch and Brown eventually reaching the majors for Chicago.

Could history repeat itself in 2025? If so, the Minnesota Twins may have what Dombrowski is looking for.

Twins Relievers Drawing Attention
Minnesota’s bullpen has seen inconsistent performance during the 2025 campaign, but multiple arms could be dealt if the team decides to be sellers. Several names could interest the Phillies:

RHP Jhoan Duran – With his triple-digit fastball and wicked offspeed arsenal, Duran has the ceiling of a high-leverage weapon in October. He’s under team control through 2027 and has postseason experience. His elite stuff makes him a high-value asset, but he is also someone the Twins could consider dealing with only if the return is substantial. Some national outlets have already named Duran as a likely trade target

RHP Griffin Jax – Jax has emerged as one of the AL’s best setup men of the last two seasons. His 2025 numbers haven’t matched his dominant 2024 season, but some bad luck has been involved. However, his sweeper/changeup combination has helped him keep hitters off-balance in key moments. Under team control through 2027, Jax would fit well as a versatile piece in the Phillies' bullpen puzzle.

LHP Danny Coulombe – The veteran lefty has quietly been one of the more effective relievers in the league over the past two seasons. His ability to handle both left- and right-handed hitters gives him value in high-leverage spots. He might be one of the best left-handed relievers traded before the deadline. He’d give Philadelphia another left-handed option alongside West Fargo native Matt Strahm, particularly since Alvarado won’t be available for the postseason because of his PED suspension.

The Twins, hovering around the Wild Card race, aren’t likely to sell off their bullpen without a strong reason. But if a team like Philadelphia is willing to part with premium prospect capital, Minnesota could be open to reshuffling its roster with an eye on both the present and future.

What Could Come Back?
Dombrowski has hinted that he’s willing to dip into the farm system to fill the bullpen void. While the Phillies don’t boast a top-tier system overall, they have several intriguing prospects who could match what the Twins are looking for. Here are a few players from MLB Pipeline’s Phillies Top 30 list who could interest Minnesota:

Aidan Miller (3B/SS, No. 2) – One of the most advanced high-school hitters in his draft class, Miller has an impressive approach and power potential. With Royce Lewis still working to stay healthy, adding another high-upside bat who can handle the left side of the infield could be appealing.

Justin Crawford (OF, No. 3) – The son of former big leaguer Carl Crawford, Justin is a premium athlete with game-changing speed and defensive potential in center field. He’s still developing at the plate but offers long-term upside. The Twins have some strong outfield prospects, and Crawford would add an exciting name to the mix.

Eduardo Tait (C, No. 4) – One of the fastest-rising catching prospects in baseball. The Panamanian backstop has a smooth right-handed swing, with developing power and an advanced feel for contact. Defensively, he already earns praise for his receiving and leadership. Tait is years away from the big leagues, but his ceiling makes him an especially intriguing long-term piece.

Mick Abel (RHP, No. 5) – Once a top-15 overall draft pick, Abel has flashed electric stuff since entering pro ball but remains a bit of a project. The 6-foot-5 right-hander features a mid-90s fastball, a sharp slider, and a developing changeup. While he’s battled inconsistency and command issues, the raw tools still give him mid-rotation upside. He could thrive with a change of scenery and a fresh developmental approach.

Moisés Chace (RHP, No. 6) – Chace is another high-upside arm in the Phillies' system with the type of power stuff that could eventually play at the big-league level. He’s shown an ability to miss bats at every level, thanks to a fastball that touches 97 and a sharp, sweeping slider. Durability and command have been question marks, but his strikeout rates speak to the raw talent. 

Will a Deal Get Done?
The Twins have been relatively quiet at recent deadlines, but they might be in a position where subtracting from the bullpen keeps their winning window open by replenishing prospect depth. The Phillies, meanwhile, are under pressure to capitalize on a championship-caliber roster.

If the right pieces align, Minnesota could leverage their bullpen depth into a significant return. Dombrowski has shown time and again that he’s willing to meet a steep price when he believes the window to win is wide open. This trade deadline could bring a surprise or a monster deal that helps push Philadelphia closer to its October goals.

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Will the Twins trade a core reliever before the deadline? What pieces from the Phillies system should the front office target in a deal? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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[FlyingFinn]

Don't trade Jax. I think he's the Twins closer next year as Duran gets expensive and traded sometime before next year.

[SF Twins Fan]

Crawford is who I would want the Twins to target in a trade with the Phillies.  There's potential for him to play in the MLB this season.

[TopGunn#22]

I agree.  I'm dealing Duran and making Jax our closer for the rest of this season.  Duran is exactly what the Phillies need at this time and the prospects listed are interesting.  I'd like a little more detail on the prospects, especially the young catcher, Tait.  How many years is he from being a big leaguer?  What level is he currently playing at?  

Despite how bad they've been, the Twins are remarkably very much in the Wild Card mix.  I don't think this team, with all the flaws it has, is anywhere near a threat to any of the better teams in the A.L.  But last year, the Tigers traded Flaherty to the Dodgers, STILL made the playoffs and made a little noise.

I have no expectations for the Twins to make the post season, or do anything noteworthy if they somehow do.  But the notion that they can't compete if they deal Duran or Castro or Bader etc...is false.  The Tigers proved that last year.

If the Twins were to somehow bumble their way into the playoffs I would consider it a bonus.  But they should be actively looking to sell some players who could bring a nice return and hopefully restock some talent in the system with the plan being a better balanced roster in 2026 and 2027.  

What IS Royce Lewis's long term position with the Twins?  Should they just give him a 1B mitt and hope to hide him there while maximizing his offense?  Is it time to move on from Lewis?  Not at the trade deadline, but in the off season, in the hopes that his value will rise with positive reports on his health (you know, Royce is in the best shape of his LIFE !!!).  

Some really big decisions need to be made in the coming months.  Will the Pohlad's and Falvey be making them?  Or someone else?  

[SF Twins Fan]

4 minutes ago, TopGunn#22 said:

I agree.  I'm dealing Duran and making Jax our closer for the rest of this season.  Duran is exactly what the Phillies need at this time and the prospects listed are interesting.  I'd like a little more detail on the prospects, especially the young catcher, Tait.  How many years is he from being a big leaguer?  What level is he currently playing at?  

Despite how bad they've been, the Twins are remarkably very much in the Wild Card mix.  I don't think this team, with all the flaws it has, is anywhere near a threat to any of the better teams in the A.L.  But last year, the Tigers traded Flaherty to the Dodgers, STILL made the playoffs and made a little noise.

I have no expectations for the Twins to make the post season, or do anything noteworthy if they somehow do.  But the notion that they can't compete if they deal Duran or Castro or Bader etc...is false.  The Tigers proved that last year.

If the Twins were to somehow bumble their way into the playoffs I would consider it a bonus.  But they should be actively looking to sell some players who could bring a nice return and hopefully restock some talent in the system with the plan being a better balanced roster in 2026 and 2027.  

What IS Royce Lewis's long term position with the Twins?  Should they just give him a 1B mitt and hope to hide him there while maximizing his offense?  Is it time to move on from Lewis?  Not at the trade deadline, but in the off season, in the hopes that his value will rise with positive reports on his health (you know, Royce is in the best shape of his LIFE !!!).  

Some really big decisions need to be made in the coming months.  Will the Pohlad's and Falvey be making them?  Or someone else?  

Tait is an 18 year old in A ball.  He's hitting ok, especially for his age, but it likely 4 years away from the MLB.

 

Phillies Top Prospects

[TwinsDr2021]

I am not trading Either Jax or Duran with 2+ years of control left unless it is a complete over pay. I love their top 3 prospects are super young and playing in AA or AAA. The Twins currently don't have much of that. 

[tony&rodney]

Why do I not trust Philadelphia position player prospects? Duran should return a top prospect if the Twins deal him. Duran seems like the type of pitcher to remain healthy and effective with only occasional bouts of wildness. I'm wondering what the ceiling is on a return for either of Duran or Jax.

[DJL44]

The Twins can fit Duran into the budget next year without any issues. They should be trying to sign him to a 3-year contract, not trading him away.

Coulombe is a pending free agent. If they're under .500, he needs to be dealt.

Brock Stewart is very good, but also injury-prone and in his mid-30s. He's a guy I would be looking to sell at the deadline. His stuff is good enough and his salary low enough that several teams should be interested. He has enough team control remaining that they could get a real return.

[terrydactyls]

Once again, I must comment that beginning this question with "could" makes it a theoretical question.  And because there is no law of physics, nature, biology, or any other law that would prohibited a a trade, the answer is always "yes, it could happen".  The question really is "should" the Twins make a trade like this.

[Doctor Gast]

14 minutes ago, SF Twins Fan said:

Tait is an 18 year old in A ball.  He's hitting ok, especially for his age, but it likely 4 years away from the MLB.

 

Phillies Top Prospects

I like Tait but we need someone who can come in now to get some reps this year to jump start for next season. I'd like someone like Tait at least 3 yrs. ago. It's too late now.

[TheLeviathan]

I would love to snag Crawford.

[Craig Arko]

Coulombe for Tait.

[terrydactyls]

And now here is my thought on "should" they make a blockbster trade.  I would trade both Columbe and Duran for several of these players.  Dombrowski is not afraid to go big when he feels it will bring home a trophy.  And as several posters have mentioned, although the Twins still have a slim chance of making the playoffs (26% is the latest I've seen), if they should get in, they will probably will be out quickly.

[DJL44]

5 minutes ago, Craig Arko said:

Coulombe for Tait.

Shades of Matt Capps for Wilson Ramos

[Dman]

If they could get Miler or Crawford for a reliver I would do that deal. I am betting the Phillies won't be letting those two go easily though.  I would bet they would be more inclined to give up the catcher who is years away and could flame out at the higher levels and or Chace who has control problems.  They also might want to try and give us Nori and or Burkholter who are also risky and further away.

I would hold out for Miller or Crawford as they have plenty of high end tools and already proving themselves at the higher levels.

I love Duran and would miss him terribly but the Twins need some new blood and a high end guy would make it worth giving up that golden arm which they won't be able to afford much longer anyway.

[BrokenCompass]

1 hour ago, FlyingFinn said:

Don't trade Jax. I think he's the Twins closer next year as Duran gets expensive and traded sometime before next year.

My thoughts: who cares who the closer is when you're not competitive? 

If the Twins are going to lose 90 games, which it looks like they are, what do you even need a closer for? Just go by committee and take your lumps. 

Deal Duran AND Jax - get as much as you can for each. The Twins are going to be sellers and need to commit to selling. This is a total rebuild situation. The only untouchables are Joe Ryan and Royce Lewis - the latter only because his value is at an all-time low and the return just wouldn't be worth it. 

[rdehring]

The trading deadline is still more than a month away.  The way this team has been playing, they could be in first place, or last place come July 30th.  It's too early to even think about what they should be doing.

I also expect most of their trades, if they do much at all, will be dealing players who will be free agents come November.  Understand the talk about Duran, but if they are going to trade him part of the return must be someone with a high upside and close to playing.  Don't want to see several prospects playing A ball.  We all know how that doesn't always work out.

[Doctor Gast]

We could trade Coulume w/o any problem (we could bring up Prielipp sometime to substitute him). IMO, cOF is also a big need for PHI, IMO, PHI doesn't have anyone that can impact the Twins next season (which IMO, the Twins should prioritize). So, I'd be open for a 3-way trade, but don't expect Falvey to drive this type of trade. 

[chpettit19]

All 3 of those position player prospects would be nice gets. Crawford would be the one I'd like most as he's probably ready for a debut and can provide some offense (I think his AAA numbers are a little inflated), big time defense, and base running and the Twins really need somebody like that. But all of these hypothetical trade articles come down to the same thing: are the Twins going to make significant changes or not?

Falvey has shown no real appetite for making significant changes to the roster. Gray priced himself out. Polanco became a Pohlad business "right-sizing" casualty. Arraez was moved for Pablo. Otherwise, there aren't multi-year guys that Falvey really moves. I don't think Coulombe brings any of the position guys in return. Duran or Jax most certainly should, but I would be pretty surprised to see Falvey move somebody like that. I just don't think he's realistic about this roster and thinks it can compete better than many of us believe it can now and moving forward so he won't move pieces like Duran or Jax.

[TheLeviathan]

3 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

All 3 of those position player prospects would be nice gets. Crawford would be the one I'd like most as he's probably ready for a debut and can provide some offense (I think his AAA numbers are a little inflated), big time defense, and base running and the Twins really need somebody like that. But all of these hypothetical trade articles come down to the same thing: are the Twins going to make significant changes or not?

Plus his dad was freaking awesome in the 2000s.  You guys had him on your 2005 MVP Baseball franchise teams and you know it!

[Mike Sixel]

28 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

I like Tait but we need someone who can come in now to get some reps this year to jump start for next season. I'd like someone like Tait at least 3 yrs. ago. It's too late now.

Not really. They'll need a guy like him in three years. 

This is an organization they should be trading with..

[chpettit19]

5 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

Plus his dad was freaking awesome in the 2000s.  You guys had him on your 2005 MVP Baseball franchise teams and you know it!

Awkward looking swing, but dude could play. 

[DJL44]

12 minutes ago, rdehring said:

The trading deadline is still more than a month away.  The way this team has been playing, they could be in first place, or last place come July 30th. 

They're 11.5 games behind Detroit. They could win 20+ games between now and July 30th and not make up that deficit.

[DJL44]

13 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

PHI doesn't have anyone that can impact the Twins next season (which IMO, the Twins should prioritize)

Always maximize the talent in return. If they want to compete next season, they can trade prospects for MLB talent in the offseason. Having better prospects to trade will help them more in the long and short run.

[TwinsDr2021]

20 minutes ago, BrokenCompass said:

This is a total rebuild situation. The only untouchables are Joe Ryan and Royce Lewis - the latter only because his value is at an all-time low and the return just wouldn't be worth it. 

I absolutely don't want to see this FO rebuild, they have been here long enough to prove they aren't good enough at evaluating talent to do a total rebuild. They have been here since they were handed the number 1 pick in the 2017 and how many starters have they developed? 2- Jeffers and Ober, that is it. many others still have a chance still but that is it, a chance. This FO has shown they are pretty good at evaluating others team closer to or in the major league talent and finding players 11-13 for a roster. 

So all I want from this FO this season is to peddle off FA's to be. 

I am not saying the Twins shouldn't be doing some sort of rebuild, I am just saying this FO isn't the guys/gals I want doing it. 

[TwinsDr2021]

17 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Not really. They'll need a guy like him in three years. 

This is an organization they should be trading with..

Tait is 18 going on 19 (August) he is minimum three years out and probably closer to 5 for being a legit MLB catcher. I am not saying I wouldn't like him in the Twins minor leagues, but he isn't a guy I am trading 2+ years of Jax or Duran for. 

I want Miller who is 21 in AA or Crawford who 21 going on 22 in AAA. Guys with legit shots at playing in the majors relativity soon. 

[DJL44]

24 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

I absolutely don't want to see this FO rebuild, they have been here long enough to prove they aren't good enough at evaluating talent to do a total rebuild.

I think they've done okay at selling at the deadline. Cruz for Ryan is one of the best trades the franchise has ever made.

There are 27 games between now and July 30. How many wins do they need to avoid selling? Getting to .500 requires 15-12. A losing record in July should be an obvious sell as they would be 4 games under .500 and probably 8th in the Wild Card standings like they are right now.

<= 13 wins: sell

14-16 wins: ???

>=17 wins: buy

They get the Tigers, Cubs, Dodgers and Rays as well as the Marlins, Pirates and Rockies. What's the over-under?

[ziggy]

26 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

They get the Tigers, Cubs, Dodgers and Rays as well as the Marlins, Pirates and Rockies. What's the over-under?

I see 11 maybe 12 wins..

If they do trade Jax or Duran I hope they have a better outcome than the Berrios trade. A durable MLB starting pitcher for a couple of midling ceiling prospects. I know SWR and Martin were high draft picks but their ceilings are not very high. 

[CRF]

I seriously doubt they make a "blockbuster" trade with anyone. If anything, this FO will do a couple minor deals, or more dumpster diving...like they've been doing all along. We HAVE to get a new ownership group in here. 

[old nurse]

Ben Brown is exactly the type of player you get for a very good rental BP arm.  Top 10 in the organization does not mean you are getting a good player