MLB writer Thomas Harrigan named Twins closer Jhoan Duran as a trade candidate in “10 intriguing trade candidates from teams on playoff bubble.”

It might benefit the Twins to trade Jhoan Duran

The Twins have gone 8-18 since their 22–7 stretch, leaving them 37-40 and 2 1/2 games back for the third American League Wild Card spot.

With Pablo López, Royce Lewis and Zebby Matthews sidelined, along with Carlos Correa’s struggles, it has become increasingly more likely that the Twins will be sellers at the trade deadline.

Duran could bring Minnesota a strong return in a trade, as the Twins’ closer has a 1.57 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 34 ⅓ innings this season, boasts an elite pitch mix, and is controllable through 2027.

Duran is arguably having the best season of his career, posting 1.7 bWAR thus far. There is a good chance that he will be making his first career All-Star Game appearance this summer.

Duran had the worst season of his career last year, putting up a 3.64 ERA in 54 ⅓ innings. His turnaround this season could lead to the Twins receiving some highly-touted prospects in exchange for him in a trade.

Although it has had some troubles lately, Minnesota’s bullpen has overall been one of the best in MLB this season. With Danny Coulombe, Griffin Jax, Louis Varland and more, the Twins have plenty of arms who could take Duran’s closer position and succeed.

Of course, having Duran makes the Twins’ bullpen better than it would be without him, but a team in need of a reliever would be willing to give up a lot of value in return for Duran. If the Twins aren’t confident they will make the postseason as the trade deadline nears, moving Duran would make perfect sense.

Twins set to compete in four-game set against Seattle Mariners

Game 1 of the four-game series between Minnesota and Seattle is scheduled to start at 6:40 p.m. CT on Monday at Target Field. The probable starting pitchers for the first game of the series are righties Bailey Ober for the Twins and Bryan Woo for the Mariners.