Nightengale: Philadelphia Phillies "Extensively Scouting" Minnesota Twins Relievers Johan Duran, Griffin Jax

[Matthew Lenz]

The Minnesota Twins will enter the All Star break as a .500 club, sitting just a few games out of an American League Wild Card spot. We can assume the Twins won't be buyers, but it's not clear if they'll look to improve the team for a playoff push or look to the future - whether it be a retool for 2026 or a bigger rebuild.

One things is for certain, there will be a significant market for bullpen aces Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax. Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting that the Philadelphia Phillies are "extensively scouting" the duo, hoping to acquire at least one of them. He notes the Twins are also receiving strong interest from the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds.

Duran has maintained an elite level of performance, recording 15 saves and 18 holds. His effectiveness is highlighted by a remarkable 1.49 ERA and a 2.21 FIP. Duran's strikeout-minus-walk rate (K-BB%) stands at 17.8%, reflecting his ability to generate strikeouts while limiting free passes.

Jax has also contributed significantly, registering 18 holds and zero saves. While his ERA sits at 4.02, his underlying metrics suggest better performance, with a strong 1.89 FIP. Jax has demonstrated impressive control and strikeout capability, posting a K-BB% of 32.2% (38.0% K% and 5.8% BB%).

Do you think the Twins should deal their high-leverage relievers? Join the conversation in the comments!

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[qwerty2582]

Dear Philadelphia.  Duran and Jax actually play for... Uhm... Tampa Bay.  Yeah.  Go trade with them.  Xoxo, Twins Territory.

[Cory Engelhardt]

I’d be open to it if it is truly an overpay. Not naming players involved, but if you think they would accept equal value on the baseballtradevalues site you are kidding yourselves.

[dxpavelka]

Andrew Painter or Mick Abel.  Nothing less.

[twinstalker]

9 minutes ago, dxpavelka said:

Andrew Painter or Mick Abel.  Nothing less.

Mick Abel isn't enough for either.  And Painter is kind of sucking, though it's his first year back.  Twins might have a shot there.  

[DJL44]

Can we do a bait-and-switch on all the teams who want Duran and Jax and sell them Brock Stewart and Danny Coulombe instead?

[ziggy]

Right now the Twins have the desired formula for victory, a 6 inning game. Then Louie, Jax and Duran to hold the lead. They just need the lead after 6.......

If they're going to compete for a playoff spot they need to keep the formula.

But........if they get a young possible front line starter I'd say they have to do the trade. Nothing less.

[tony&rodney]

Philadelphia only has one player worth discussion, Andrew Painter. That's it. The other solid players are already replicated by similar or better prospects within the Twins organization. So no deal.

The Dodgers? Yes. Send Bader, Jax, and Emmanuel Rodriguez to LA for Rushing, River Ryan, and Emmet Sheehan.

The Cubs? Send Castro and Paddack to the Windy City for Kevin Alcantara.

Then take a nap.

[Mike Sixel]

They can't get Painter for either. But Philly has some other great prospects. I'd certainly listen. 

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Philadelphia only has one player worth discussion, Andrew Painter. That's it. The other solid players are already replicated by similar or better prospects within the Twins organization. So no deal.

The Dodgers? Yes. Send Bader, Jax, and Emmanuel Rodriguez to LA for Rushing, River Ryan, and Emmet Sheehan.

The Cubs? Send Castro and Paddack to the Windy City for Kevin Alcantara.

Then take a nap.

The Twins don't have an Eduardo Tait in the system

[tony&rodney]

14 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

The Twins don't have an Eduardo Tait in the system

Agree totally but the Twins are not trading Ryan, Duran, or Jax for long term prospects. At least I don't think they will.

[jaimedude]

I would trade Duran. He has least amount of team control left and is least likely to sign an extension. Duran's agents gonna ask for the moon on money and term.  I don't want to see him go but he is going to  be hard to sign. 

[jorgenswest]

38 minutes ago, jaimedude said:

I would trade Duran. He has least amount of team control left and is least likely to sign an extension. Duran's agents gonna ask for the moon on money and term.  I don't want to see him go but he is going to  be hard to sign. 

Doesn’t Duran have the least service time among the three (Duran, Jax and Ryan)? I think they have this year plus two more years of control of all three. That is three shots at the playoffs with them where pitching is so critical.

[dxpavelka]

7 hours ago, jaimedude said:

I would trade Duran. He has least amount of team control left and is least likely to sign an extension. Duran's agents gonna ask for the moon on money and term.  I don't want to see him go but he is going to  be hard to sign. 

Chances of the Twins extending Duran ended the day they moved him to the pen.

[dxpavelka]

7 hours ago, jorgenswest said:

Doesn’t Duran have the least service time among the three (Duran, Jax and Ryan)? I think they have this year plus two more years of control of all three. That is three shots at the playoffs with them where pitching is so critical.

Now why would we want to contend for the next three years?

 

[TopGunn#22]

I'd like to see a LOT of movement come the trade deadline.  Bader, Castro, Coulombe, and Paddack FOR SURE.  But I'd also be interested in moving one of Duran, Jax or Ryan...IF THE PRICE WAS RIGHT. 

The first 4 guys NEED to be dealt.  There is no need to move any of Duran, Jax or Ryan unless the Twins are getting an overpay from the Dodgers, Phillies, Red Sox or Cubs.  Those teams are all serious World Series contenders.  If they want any of Duran, Jax or Ryan, they are going to have to win the bidding war. Names like Jarren Duran, Dalton Rushing and Andrew Painter only BEGIN the conversation.

And it's not like the Twins should only expect crumbs for Castro, Bader or Coulombe.  Paddack...maybe.  But the other 3 will be hot commodities. 

The Twins FO has an opportunity to really refresh the talent on their roster with some talent going out they would be losing anyway and a couple guys (Ryan & Duran) who's value has never been higher.  I don't have a lot of confidence in this FO but that is no excuse for not having a plan and taking advantage of the opportunity.   

[Bodie]

If you can't find Jax's tip off to his pitches, deal him.

If he isn't tipping his pitches  get rid of him even faster!

[tony&rodney]

3 hours ago, TopGunn#22 said:

I'd like to see a LOT of movement come the trade deadline.  Bader, Castro, Coulombe, and Paddack FOR SURE.  But I'd also be interested in moving one of Duran, Jax or Ryan...IF THE PRICE WAS RIGHT. 

The first 4 guys NEED to be dealt.  There is no need to move any of Duran, Jax or Ryan unless the Twins are getting an overpay from the Dodgers, Phillies, Red Sox or Cubs.  Those teams are all serious World Series contenders.  If they want any of Duran, Jax or Ryan, they are going to have to win the bidding war. Names like Jarren Duran, Dalton Rushing and Andrew Painter only BEGIN the conversation.

And it's not like the Twins should only expect crumbs for Castro, Bader or Coulombe.  Paddack...maybe.  But the other 3 will be hot commodities. 

The Twins FO has an opportunity to really refresh the talent on their roster with some talent going out they would be losing anyway and a couple guys (Ryan & Duran) who's value has never been higher.  I don't have a lot of confidence in this FO but that is no excuse for not having a plan and taking advantage of the opportunity.   

This is exactly how I feel. The current roster won't do it. Playing it back is insanity. 

The discussion of trading players contains some callous elements because these players have preferences, families, and go through emotions like any person would .... plus they deal with an incredible amount of public examination and criticism .... the fate of professional athletes. I do feel for these guys. I do regret when I criticize a player at times but the Twins can be painful to watch. 

Ultimately, we are fans of the Twins and we (at least me) want to watch/listen to a good baseball team. I'm not existing just for a championship team as a fan but I do want to see the Twins playing baseball in a fashion similar to Tampa Bay or a few other teams. The roster needs change. The suggestions by TopGunn#22 are on point. The players on expiring contracts should be moved for something. The players with high values can be traded in the right deal. 

Good luck to the Twins front office in the next two weeks as they examine, discuss, and negotiate a critical time.

[nicksaviking]

"Extensively Scouting" huh? So, you need a real good look at them, and MAYBE if you like what you see you'll make an offer?

Come on Philly, you're talking to Twins territory, we can run circles around you in terms of passive aggressive phrasing. Everyone in the league is familiar with these two pitchers, you already know what you're willing to give up to get them.

[TheLeviathan]

9 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

"Extensively Scouting" huh? So, you need a real good look at them, and MAYBE if you like what you see you'll make an offer?

Come on Philly, you're talking to Twins territory, we can run circles around you in terms of passive aggressive phrasing. Everyone in the league is familiar with these two pitchers, you already know what you're willing to give up to get them.

Maybe they're trying to politely, passive-aggressively kick the team towards selling?  You know, not actively calling us to ask......just lurking in our press boxes quietly staring at us.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

10 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

"Extensively Scouting" huh? So, you need a real good look at them, and MAYBE if you like what you see you'll make an offer?

Come on Philly, you're talking to Twins territory, we can run circles around you in terms of passive aggressive phrasing. Everyone in the league is familiar with these two pitchers, you already know what you're willing to give up to get them.

They’re watching Pitchingninja like the rest of us

[tony&rodney]

10 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Come on Philly, you're talking to Twins territory, we can run circles around you in terms of passive aggressive phrasing. Everyone in the league is familiar with these two pitchers, you already know what you're willing to give up to get them.

Philly is in a really tough position. They have a very good team but lack a closer and could also use a couple of part time players along with a middle relief pitcher. Meanwhile they are taking a stance on a Painter that may box them in. With their top starting pitching being excellent and a number of players at their  prime, Philadelphia faces a very difficult trading deadline. They want to win it all and have a reduced chance without adding a couple of players. I  predict their demise in the playoffs without any substantial additions.

The Twins and Guards can offer quite the packages and demand a premium return. No Painter equals no deals with Cleveland or Minnesota. What is the best deal for all?

[Rigby]

11 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

Maybe they're trying to politely, passive-aggressively kick the team towards selling?  You know, not actively calling us to ask......just lurking in our press boxes quietly staring at us.