Dodgers Come Calling on Twins’ Dynamic Duo as Trade Rumors Pick Up

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of David Richard and Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dodgers are shopping for impact arms, and reports are that they’ve come knocking on the Twins’ door. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Los Angeles has reached out to Minnesota regarding a pair of bullpen stars: Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax. It's not surprising, considering the state of the Dodgers' bullpen. While L.A.’s reputation screams dominance, the reality in 2025 has been underwhelming. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued their late-inning picture, and Tanner Scott’s 4.00 ERA and multiple blown saves haven’t done much to ease the pressure.

Thus, the Dodgers are hunting for high-leverage reinforcements, and few teams can offer a package more attractive than Duran and Jax.

Minnesota’s Bullpen Gold
If the Twins are serious about selling (still an if, though the noise is getting louder), then Duran and Jax would instantly become two of the most coveted relievers on the market.

RHP Jhoan Duran
Duran entered the season already known for his triple-digit heat and devastating splinker, but he’s taken his game to another level in 2025. Through 45 appearances, Duran owns a 1.62 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and a 27.0% strikeout rate, while limiting opponents to a .518 OPS. He’s been one of the AL’s best relievers this season; his 1.4 fWAR is tied for third among AL relievers. When Shohei Ohtani took him deep Tuesday night, it was the first time all season an opponent figured out how to do so. If Duran were a Dodger, he wouldn't have to face Ohtani, anyway.

The Twins have taken care to manage Duran’s workload over the years, and it’s paying off. He’s healthy, dominant, and under team control through 2027. That’s the kind of arm that commands elite prospect capital.

RHP Griffin Jax
Jax may not have Duran’s raw velocity, but his efficiency and consistency have been just as valuable. This season, he’s posted a 3.83 ERA across 42 1/3 innings with a career-high 37.9% strikeout rate. There were some inconsistencies with Jax to start the year, but he’s returned to form over his last 15 appearances. Since June 8, he has a 1.88 ERA, with a 20-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 14 1/3 innings. Since moving to the bullpen full-time in 2022, Jax has blossomed into one of the most reliable setup men in the American League. Like Duran, he’s under team control through 2027.

The Twins don't have to trade either. But if they lean into a short-term sell, the front office knows the value they hold, and won’t let them go for anything less than a franchise-shifting return.

Dodgers' Prospect Chips
If Los Angeles is serious about acquiring Minnesota’s bullpen aces, it’s going to take a haul, and the Dodgers might have the pieces to do it. According to MLB Pipeline, here are some of the names who could headline a potential deal:

1. Josue De Paula, OF
The Dodgers’ top prospect, De Paula is an advanced bat with emerging power and a sweet left-handed swing. At 20 years old, he’s hitting .258/.402/.413 in High-A and showing increased home run output. The Twins have multiple top outfield prospects, but De Paula is a top-100 prospect who can provide long-term value.

2. Zyhir Hope, OF
A more recent riser in the Dodgers system, Hope brings a tantalizing mix of speed and raw power. In 83 games this season, he has hit .286/.390/.468 with 33 extra-base hits at High-A. At just 20, he’s shown impressive tools in the lower minors, with the potential to stick in center or slide to a plus defensive corner role. 

3. Alex Freeland, SS/3B
Like the other names on this list, Freeland was a consensus top-100 prospect entering the season. He's a versatile infielder with good bat-to-ball skills and solid plate discipline. In 2025, he’s hit .254/.377/.411 at Triple A, while starting games at both shortstop and third base. He could be a solid everyday piece, especially if Minnesota wants a player who is close to big league-ready.

4. Jackson Ferris, LHP
Left-handed pitching is always in demand, and Ferris (originally acquired from the Cubs) is a lanky southpaw with swing-and-miss stuff. At 21 years old, he’s struck out 25.4% of opposing batters in Double A and has shown signs of improved command. He’s also over 3.5 years younger than the average age of the competition in the Texas League. He profiles as a mid-rotation arm, with late-inning fallback value if his control remains shaky.

5. Eduardo Quintero, OF
Still just 19 years old, Quintero is a bat-first outfielder tearing up Low A. In 79 games, he has slashed .308/.422/.538 with 38 extra-base hits and 34 steals. While far away, he’s the type of long-term upside piece that teams can target when trading established big leaguers.

The other key figure in this mix, of course, is Dalton Rushing. Though currently serving as the team's backup catcher, Rushing has just graduated from top prospect status by way of sticking on the active roster for the guts of two months already. He's a high-upside hitter with a chance to remain a catcher as he establishes himself in the majors, and a prime trade target if the Dodgers need to acquire a player under medium-term team control.

Would the Twins Actually Do It?
Selling off bullpen dominance mid-season would be a tough pill to swallow for a Twins club still hovering around contention, but the market is speaking. The value of elite relievers under control for multiple years is sky-high, and contenders like the Dodgers are willing to pay.

If Minnesota sees an opportunity to acquire long-term talent—especially position players with upside and control—it might be wise to listen. However, the Twins are going to hold their ground and have to be overwhelmed in any trade for either Duran or Jax. With Los Angeles desperate for back-end help, they might get an offer too good to ignore.

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What kind of package should it take to get Duran or Jax, if you were in Derek Falvey's chair? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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[FlyingFinn]

Dodgers - if you want Duran, give us Rushing, Hope and Ferris. You can always buy their replacements in free agency. See how good Vasquez is hitting against you. We'll even add him to the trade so you have a backup catcher.

[mickster]

16 minutes ago, FlyingFinn said:

Dodgers - if you want Duran, give us Rushing, Hope and Ferris. You can always buy their replacements in free agency. See how good Vasquez is hitting against you. We'll even add him to the trade so you have a backup catcher.

As much as I don't want to part with Duran, that is a deal I can get behind - and yes Vasquez can go back as their new backup - maybe even his full salary.    Varland has the look of a potential closer.

[arby58]

The only name that I would consider trading either of them for is Rushing. Agree that Ferris would be another decent piece of the puzzle.

[TwinsDr2021]

19 minutes ago, FlyingFinn said:

Dodgers - if you want Duran, give us Rushing, Hope and Ferris. You can always buy their replacements in free agency. See how good Vasquez is hitting against you. We'll even add him to the trade so you have a backup catcher.

agreed without Rushing, these guys don't do all that much for me. I mean the Dodgers let Ferris pitch 126 innings at age 20, is that even legal? I feel like the Twins could spend the next 3 or 4 years letting him get comfortable pitching less than that. 

[TopGunn#22]

It's not like I'm anxious to trade either Duran or Jax but as Cody illustrated, The Market Is Speaking !!   

I would trade Duran if the deal included Rushing and a little more.  I'd rather keep Jax.  He's more consistent and appears to be more durable.  With Varland blossoming, the Twins have the ability to leverage a team strength to fill a big void...a young catcher with an impressive hit tool and improving defensive ability.

We don't know what the new owners, new FO and coaching will bring, but the current regime has never paid bullpen arms.  Duran is going to start getting expensive.  The current regime will not pay him.  It's time to leverage Duran for a nice return.  The Dodgers are reeling.  Let's take advantage of this opportunity.  

The deal starts with Rushing.  The Twins include Vasquez as we would have Rushing coming back.  What else could the Twins get??  Let's find out.  

[Doctor Wu]

9 minutes ago, TopGunn#22 said:

I'd rather keep Jax.  He's more consistent and appears to be more durable.  With Varland blossoming, the Twins have the ability to leverage a team strength to fill a big void...a young catcher with an impressive hit tool and improving defensive ability.

Yes to all of that!

[Cody Christie]

 

[In My La Z boy]

9 minutes ago, TopGunn#22 said:

It's not like I'm anxious to trade either Duran or Jax but as Cody illustrated, The Market Is Speaking !!   

I would trade Duran if the deal included Rushing and a little more.  I'd rather keep Jax.  He's more consistent and appears to be more durable.  With Varland blossoming, the Twins have the ability to leverage a team strength to fill a big void...a young catcher with an impressive hit tool and improving defensive ability.

We don't know what the new owners, new FO and coaching will bring, but the current regime has never paid bullpen arms.  Duran is going to start getting expensive.  The current regime will not pay him.  It's time to leverage Duran for a nice return.  The Dodgers are reeling.  Let's take advantage of this opportunity.  

The deal starts with Rushing.  The Twins include Vasquez as we would have Rushing coming back.  What else could the Twins get??  Let's find out.  

🎯 Duran and Vasquez (w/Dodgers paying full boat for Vasquez) for Rushing and Ferris. No brainer. I much prefer keeping Jax 👍 

[CRF]

It's always a crap shoot to deal established solid players, for prospects. You never know if they're going to pan out. Might be great...might be complete flops. 

[Whitey333]

The Twins have all these great can't miss players yet they are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the fourth time in the past five years.  The team is stagnant and needs a boost or needs to retool yet they mainly sit and do nothing.  It's the Twins way.  Hype and hope

[Tiantwindup]

Not sure if Hope should be included in a trade, but every other trade of proven major leaguers for prosoects has relied on hope. 

[Patzky]

22 minutes ago, CRF said:

It's always a crap shoot to deal established solid players, for prospects. You never know if they're going to pan out. Might be great...might be complete flops. 

And having to deal with those Twins Daily Commenters in 2028 saying.. Duran for Rushing! What a flop!

[UK Twin]

For Duran, Rushing must be included IMO plus another top 100 prospect. I do think there's a trade to be made here. 

[Dman]

I would only trade Jax or Duran for something we need.  We don't really need outfielder's with Rodriguez, Gonzalez and Jenkins close to ready for next year and they are our top prospects.  A catcher meets a need as would a solid arm.  So as everyone has mentioned Rushing plus would be my ask and they can give them a great defensive catcher back in Vasquez. If the Dodgers can work in Rushing I think they likely have a deal.

[S Bart]

As much as I like Duran, Varland is a replacement. The Twins need a catcher which could be Rushing. It would also help to get a potential starting pitcher, since Paddack will depart. If Ober continues to sink or another person is hurt....there are few options in AAA. 

[TNtwins85]

1 hour ago, Cody Christie said:

 

The price is high as it should be. There’s no need to trade either unless the price is right. For once the twins hold the cards on these guys. 

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, mickster said:

As much as I don't want to part with Duran, that is a deal I can get behind - and yes Vasquez can go back as their new backup - maybe even his full salary.    Varland has the look of a potential closer.

Varland’s mental make-up scares me as a closer!

He’s, “…….I’m going to throw this through a wall” too often without command. Outing against Dodgers on Tuesday night is evidence of this approach for him. His STUFF is really getting to a high level!! Fastball from 97-99mph - a slider/cutter that’s better & better - knuckle curve has developed into a nice 2nd pitch for him. Those 3 offerings for a reliever are impressive! I have been really impressed with Louie this year - Top 3 or 4 in Team MVP.

Personally, with new ownership on the horizon, I keep the electric arms in PEN together. (Lou - Stewart - Jax - Duran) If Team is out of it after Red Sox series next week, Sands & Coulombe - maybe Matthews, even Topa are all guys that could actually help a contender’s Pen - particularly 2 of them together.

Ober & Lopez could be a nice add to a contender that’s focussed on being good in September & Playoffs……..don’t promote this as a strategy. Can’t trade Ryan!

Hoping they get to .500 by end of Sox series and a couple games closer to them in Wildcard.

[TNtwins85]

37 minutes ago, S Bart said:

As much as I like Duran, Varland is a replacement. The Twins need a catcher which could be Rushing. It would also help to get a potential starting pitcher, since Paddack will depart. If Ober continues to sink or another person is hurt....there are few options in AAA. 

Rushing is not the prize he seems to be. I’d rather get de Paula and some high octane arms that go right into the bullpen next year. Rushing is a bat first catcher. Probably needs more seasoning in AAA and not a catcher you trot out there 5 days a week. Right now. De Paula has future middle of the order for years bat skills and not as far out as it may seem.

[S Bart]

2 minutes ago, TNtwins85 said:

Rushing is not the prize he seems to be. I’d rather get de Paula and some high octane arms that go right into the bullpen next year. Rushing is a bat first catcher. Probably needs more seasoning in AAA and not a catcher you trot out there 5 days a week. Right now. De Paula has future middle of the order for years bat skills and not as far out as it may seem.

Honestly, you may be correct. Although, I would rather have Smith.

[TNtwins85]

I’d rather lure the Phillies into a deal as they have some more intriguing prospects that are closer but it would also be nice to rob the dodgers cabinet of some further away higher upside guys. A couple high upside bats and a couple high octane arms to plug right into the bullpen. Don’t mess around with making them starters and just let them loose. I’m talking De Paula, Hope, Ferris, Frasso and Bruns. 3 of those 5 and a throw in and I think you pull the trigger.

[MinnInPa]

Big No...... you dont give up relievers like this to get A and AA prospects that we have a plentiful supply of at AA right now and high A with as much potential.

[DJL44]

Jax is 30 and Duran is 27. Just based on that I’d rather trade Jax.

[KBJ1]

While we need a catcher and a 5 tool RH OF, none of these Dodger prospects scream that. There has got to be Jenkins or better OF & an Ace LH starter or forget it. There just was an article about Fonzalaz, who can hit for sure, but is poo poed for lack of power & fielding. We don't need more of that. 5 tool guy & Ace starter, or forget it!

[rdehring]

With both Jax and Duran needing extensions a year down the road, the cost to keep both beyond 2027 is probably too high.  With Varland becoming another great late inning guy, this might be the time to make hay.

Of the two I would trade Duran.  Reason is he will likely demand a higher cost come extension time.  A second reason is that he would likely also bring the bigger return.  No matter who they trade with, the return must include at least TWO very high prospects.  And they all can't be somebody's #3 ranked prospect down at hi-A.  At least one must be close to big league ready and playing like a future star.  Would also be great if the closest to big league ready would be a catcher.  In that case, your Dodger deal makes sense, I think.  Truth is I know little about Rushing.

[Doctor Gast]

4 hours ago, CRF said:

It's always a crap shoot to deal established solid players, for prospects. You never know if they're going to pan out. Might be great...might be complete flops. 

We still need to think about competing next year, especially if we have a new organization. So no lotto tickets, especially OFers that won't even be ready to join the shows years down the road. Our #1 focus needs to be a young top MLB-ready catcher. Rushing certainly fits that bill. But IMO, Rushing has a lot of hype connected to him & LAD will sell that hype on Falvey. So.....

CWS has stated that they are willing to trade one of their outstanding rookie catchers to better diversify their rebuild. I propose that we pull a trade that NYY did with us, when they had us trade Garver to TX for Falefa & in turn trade him to NYY. LAD could secretly trade for either Oscar Quero or Teel, who would be more bang for the buck. Then we could trade in turn for MLB-ready impact players Quero or Teel. 

Realistically, I doubt that LAD would trade Rushing straight up for either Duran or Jax much less expensive add-ons. Our base would then be Quero or Teel, Feducci (3rd catcher next year), then negotiate the rest with the likes of LHPs Jack Dreyer (MLB-ready) & Ferris ('26).

Many trade offers that are out there by so-called pundits over social media are ridiculous. Redundant players & lotto tickets for our elite high leverage RPs! Give me a break! I hate to see either go. But if a great deal of impact young MLB-ready players that'd fill our need & help us now & in the future. IMO, we are strong enough in the BP where we could do that if the price is right.

 

[D.C Twins]

Trade them both if the price is right... a highly ranked catching prospect is mandatory for one of the packages. 

Varland and Raya to the back of the pen for the rest of the year to see what we have

[Blyleven2011]

21 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

We still need to think about competing next year, especially if we have a new organization. So no lotto tickets, especially OFers that won't even be ready to join the shows years down the road. Our #1 focus needs to be a young top MLB-ready catcher. Rushing certainly fits that bill. But IMO, Rushing has a lot of hype connected to him & LAD will sell that hype on Falvey. So.....

CWS has stated that they are willing to trade one of their outstanding rookie catchers to better diversify their rebuilt. I propose that we pull a trade that NYY did with us, when we traded Garver to TX for Falefa & in turn trade him to NYY. LAD could secretly trade for either Oscar Quero or Teel, who would be more bang for the buck. Then we could trade in turn for MLB-ready impact players Quero or Teel. 

Realistically, I doubt that LAD would trade Rushing straight up for either Duran or Jax much less expensive add-ons. Our base would then be Quero or Teel, Feducci (3rd catcher next year), then negotiate the rest with the likes of LHPs Jack Dreyer (MLB-ready) & Ferris ('26).

Many trade offers that are out there by so-called pundits over social media is ridiculous. Redundant players & lotto tickets for our elite high leverage RPs! Give me a break! I hate to see either go. But if a great deal of impact young MLB-ready players that'd fill our need & help us now in the future. IMO, we are strong enough in the BP where we could that if the price is right.

 

If your trading major league talent like Jax and Duran,  you need to get in return players that are ready to play in the ML  , that's  retooling , if you get players that are years away from contributing that's rebuilding  ...

I personally like Jax  , but being that he is older I can see if parting with one or the other it would be Jax  ...

Jax for Painter ( Philadelphia ) does it for me , plus a couple more ...

We trade both Duran and Jax we are rebuilding and look how long it took them to build the bullpen we have ...

[tony&rodney]

Great comments and a wide array of views. While I see some real promise in plucking a few future stars from the Dodgers system, I do not believe the Twins will accept a pile of prospects below AA from any team. I think the Twins want players who are close or could be used this year despite inexperience.

The last two games highlighted the holes in the Dodgers bullpen. The Twins hold a couple of excellent relievers in Duran and Jax. The Dodgers are among the top hitting teams in MLB. Every team looking to add Duran or Jax watched them pitch last night. There should be some really solid offers.

From the Dodgers, I'm requiring all of Dalton Rushing, Emmet Sheehan, and River Ryan. I prefer to keep Duran over Jax. I also would require a pile from Philadelphia. Any transactions could be expanded to include players like Bader and Castro (and even Coulombe and Paddack) for further additions from the trading partner. Philadelphia would seem to be a prime team to want several Twins players. I wouldn't rule out a trade with Seattle or Milwaukee.

We will have to live with whatever Falvey decides. On the one hand there were positive trades for Gray, Duran, Lopez, and Ryan (others?), but we don't want to hear about that other hand. 

[Chris Hove]

I don't think the Twins should trade either one, but the team control has huge benefits for any team trying to get Jax or Duran. I love that the Twins are using their leverage to ask for top prospects. If they do trade them, IMO I would want Jackson Ferris and/or Daulton Rushing. Should be interesting!!!!