The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen has been a persistent source of concern over the past two seasons, with injuries, inconsistency, and overuse forcing the team to shuffle relievers in and out of late-game roles. Heading into the July 31 trade deadline, many expected Los Angeles to be active in pursuing top-tier bullpen arms.
Just a day before the deadline, reports offered conflicting perspectives. Bob Nightengale tweeted on July 30 that “The Minnesota Twins are expected to trade closer Jhoan Duran by the end of the day with the Los Angeles Dodgers in strong pursuit,” signaling that a deal could be imminent. At the same time, Ken Rosenthal countered that “The Los Angeles Dodgers are not playing at the high end of the relief market for pitchers such as Miller and Minnesota Twins’ Jhoan Duran, sources say.” Adding to the confusion, MLB insider Hector Gomez noted that discussions between the Dodgers and Twins reportedly included a package featuring two of Los Angeles’ Top 10 prospects.
Dodgers Pass on Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax Despite Bullpen Needs, Sources Confirm
Vote For Your Favorite Dodgers Duo: Ohtani – Yamamoto, Betts – Freeman, Hernandez – Hernandez
Ultimately, when the dust settled after the deadline, it became clear that the Dodgers passed on both Duran and Tampa Bay’s Griffin Jax. Nightengale later reported that “The Dodgers didn’t show much interest in Duran or Jax, and the Twins valued Outman more than the prospects who were discussed.”
The decision is surprising given the credentials of both pitchers. Duran, 27, boasts a 2.01 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 53 strikeouts, and 16 saves in 49 appearances this season, while Jax has proven effective in high-leverage innings for Tampa Bay. Either could have bolstered a Dodgers bullpen that has struggled with consistency, especially with Tanner Scott sidelined and other arms still finding their footing.
Instead, Los Angeles opted to rely on internal options—including Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, and Brusdar Graterol—and hope that health and depth would be enough down the stretch. The decision underscores the organization’s careful balancing of immediate needs with long-term prospect development.
As the Dodgers head into the final weeks of the season, all eyes will be on the bullpen to see if the decision to stand pat affects their postseason push, and whether missed opportunities for elite arms like Duran and Jax will come back to haunt them.