As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers are once again positioning themselves as aggressive buyers. Despite boasting one of the league’s best records, injuries and inconsistent bullpen performance have opened the door for midseason upgrades. At the center of recent speculation is a potential blockbuster deal involving Minnesota Twins flamethrower Jhoan Duran—arguably one of the most dominant relievers in the game—and Dodgers top catching prospect Dalton Rushing.
A Rare Prospect on the Market
Rushing, the Dodgers’ top pick in 2022 and once their No. 1 prospect, has drawn serious interest around the league. With All-Star catcher Will Smith locked in as L.A.’s starter for the next decade, Rushing’s path to everyday play is effectively blocked. Although he’s shown elite offensive upside in the minors—hitting for an OPS north of .800 consistently—his defensive game still needs refinement.
Many viewed Rushing’s recent promotion as more strategic than developmental. There’s growing belief that L.A. is giving other teams, like the Twins, a live look at the 24-year-old as a major leaguer. And few teams have more reason to pay close attention than Minnesota, who lack a clear successor to Ryan Jeffers behind the plate as he nears free agency.
What Would the Dodgers Want in Return?
Support Our LA Firefighters In Style
While the Dodgers’ system is deep, they don’t part with top-tier talent without a compelling return. Their biggest current need? Pitching—and more specifically, a lights-out reliever who can lock down postseason innings.
Enter Jhoan Duran. The 26-year-old right-hander is the definition of electric: a fastball averaging 100.2 mph, a splitter opponents hit just .204 against, and a curveball that’s generated a 39.2% whiff rate. In 35.1 innings this season, Duran has a 1.78 ERA with 40 strikeouts and 10 saves. He’s also under team control through 2027.
Duran’s rare mix of velocity, deception, and control would give the Dodgers a high-leverage weapon alongside Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol—an enviable postseason trio.
A Heavy Price
To acquire Duran, L.A. would likely need to offer a premium package. One proposal includes Dalton Rushing, pitcher Nick Frasso, and versatile right-hander Landon Knack. While the price is steep, Dodgers GM Andrew Friedman has historically been willing to trade from depth for controllable impact arms.
Analyst Garrett Kerman believes the trade makes sense for both sides. “For the Dodgers, Duran would give them a dominant weapon to solidify the back end of their bullpen,” Kerman wrote. “The cost is significant, but the Dodgers’ depth allows them to make such a move without mortgaging their future.”
For the Twins, dealing Duran would be tough—especially with the team still in the playoff hunt. But his rising arbitration value and the chance to replenish the farm with major-league-ready talent might prove too tempting.
All Eyes on August
With Duran now among the most talked-about names on the trade block, all eyes will be on the Dodgers as the deadline nears. Will they make a bold push to stabilize their bullpen by dealing from a position of prospect strength?
If so, the cost may be Dalton Rushing—and the reward could be another deep October run.