As the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers trade rumors are heating up. According to new reporting, they are actively exploring ways to reinforce their bullpen, and two Minnesota Twins relievers—Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax—have emerged as key targets. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Dodgers are among several contenders expressing strong interest in the dominant late-inning duo, joining the Tigers, Cubs, Reds, and Phillies in pursuit. With injuries and inconsistency plaguing L.A.’s relief corps, both Duran and Jax present appealing options to help solidify the backend of their bullpen for a postseason push.
The Appeal of Duran and Jax To The Los Angeles Dodgers
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It’s no surprise teams are circling. Jhoan Duran, 27, is a power arm who regularly touches triple digits with his fastball and pairs that with a devastating splitter. Since his 2022 debut, he’s posted a 2.38 ERA and a 31.0% strikeout rate while inducing ground balls at a remarkable 63.9% clip. In 2025, Duran has been even better: through 43 appearances, he’s 5-3 with 15 saves, a 1.49 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.09. His ERA+ of 284 would be a career best.
Griffin Jax, 30, transitioned from a rocky rookie campaign as a starter to a dominant relief arm. Since becoming a full-time reliever in 2022, he’s posted a 3.22 ERA and 50.3% ground ball rate. Though his 2025 ERA sits at 4.02, a .391 BABIP suggests some bad luck, and his peripherals are elite: 14.5 K/9 and a 38% strikeout rate.
Dodgers and Phillies Among the Most Active
The Philadelphia Phillies, who are without suspended closer José Alvarado and struggling with an underwhelming bullpen, have been “extensively scouting” both arms. They’ve also been linked to Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase.
The Dodgers, meanwhile, have also emerged as a serious suitor. Despite splashy offseason bullpen additions in Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott, both have delivered uneven results, with ERAs near 4.00. L.A. has been forced to rely on a revolving door of arms due to injuries—Evan Phillips is out for the season with Tommy John surgery, while Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol are still working back.
Will the Twins Actually Sell?
The biggest question: are the Twins ready to part with controllable assets like Duran and Jax? Despite trailing Detroit in the AL Central, Minnesota remains in Wild Card contention and has surged lately with an 11-8 run. President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey recently downplayed selling, but that stance may shift depending on how the standings unfold.
Both relievers are under team control through 2027, giving the Twins strong leverage. But in a market thin on elite bullpen talent, a well-timed deal could bring back impactful returns—especially from aggressive contenders like L.A. or Philadelphia.