Major League Baseball handed out its awards for May on Tuesday, and in doing so, proved that teams across the league might be hating the fact that the Minnesota Twins are currently at the center of the American League Wild Card race.
To no surprise of Twins fans, Jhoan Duran was named the best reliever in the American League for May.
The numbers speak for themselves. Duran was electric last month. In 15 appearances in the month of May, Duran was a sure thing, posting a 0.60 ERA while striking out over 32% of the batters he faced. Along the way, Duran also registered 7 saves for the Twins in May.
If anything, Duran being named the American League's best relief pitcher is more confirmation of his breakout season being legitimate. Entering play on Tuesday, in 28 appearances this season, Duran has posted a 0.99 ERA with 9 saves. As the Twins played to a remarkable record of 18-8 last month, Duran was the anchor at the end of their bullpen. The All-Star Game likely isn't far behind, given Duran's upper-echelon dominance.
If the Twins are going to remain in contention for the postseason, it will be due to the success of their bullpen. Between Duran, and success stories like Louis Varland, the Twins' bullpen is among the best units in all of baseball.
Jhoan Duran's latest accomplishment is a reminder of the Twins' trade deadline approach
As buyers are defined ahead of the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline next month, teams likely are keeping tabs on the Twins and Duran. If the Twins fall out of contention, Duran would be in a position to potentially be the top closer on the trade market. A prospect-heavy team like the Cubs could make an appealing offer for a Twins team that could thread the needle between selling and standing pat at the deadline.
However, moving Duran would all but signal the Twins waving the white flag on the season. That likely isn't a scenario to consider unless there is a dramatic regression in the team's performance between now and the deadline.