Twins Trade Deadline: Phillies quietly stalking bullpen ahead of trade deadline

Phillies interest in bullpen sparks deadline firestorm
Jul 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) celebrates after defeating the Chicago Cubs at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Jul 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) celebrates after defeating the Chicago Cubs at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Despite the Minnesota Twins remaining afloat in the American League Wild-Card picture, there has been an uptick in speculation that the Twins could move controllable pitchers ahead of the MLB trade deadline at the end of the month. The idea of the Twins moving Joe Ryan still feels far-fetched, but we may be approaching a scenario where Minnesota does consider trading relief pitcher Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran.

The Twins have been anchored by their bullpen this season, so if the front office did make the decision to move Jax and Duran, that essentially would be the team waving the white flag on the season.

Now, the argument for the Twins moving Duran and Jax is due to the small number of defined sellers there are currently on the trade market. Combine that with contenders searching for bullpen help, and the Twins would get a haul of prospects if they chose to move either of their high-leverage pitchers.

Phillies’ bullpen interest could shake up trade market

One team potentially willing to give up that haul could be the Philadelphia Phillies. In previewing the Phillies' trade deadline for The Athletic, Matt Gelb has the Phillies circling the Twins, waiting for Minnesota to declare itself as sellers.

"The Phillies have a specific interest in the American League Central; they began scouting the Minnesota Twins more heavily this week in anticipation of them being sellers, league sources said. Griffin Jax and Jhoan Durán will be prized targets if Minnesota makes them available. They’re expected to listen."

Gelb's report is the first time that it has been suggested that the Twins are expected to listen to offers for Griffin and Jax. That doesn't quite match the situation the Twins' front office is in, likely wanting to stay in contention as a way to better their chances of staying once the new owner is in place.

In a scenario where that doesn't matter and Griffin and Jax are on the table, the Phillies would be one of the better teams for the Twins to make a deal with. The Phillies, in past seasons, have been aggressive with their deadline pursuits and likely would add to that urgency if the relievers were under control beyond this season.

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