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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.
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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