Dodgers Labeled Best Fit for Twins Flamethrower Closer to Fortify Bullpen

Dodgers Labeled Best Fit for Twins Flamethrower Closer to Fortify Bullpen originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen is the weakest link on a team with aspirations to repeat as World Series champions. Injuries to Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen have complicated the late-inning roles of the staff.

Yet, the most profound issue is closer to Tanner Scott’s lack of consistency. The left-hander leads baseball in blown saves, and his 1.6 home runs per nine is the sixth-highest among relievers with at least 40 innings pitched. While the Dodgers have shown no desire to remove Scott from his closer role, adding another high-leverage arm may be the team’s most pressing need.

Bleacher Report’s Joel Rueter recently wrote about the best fits for the top trade chips at this year’s deadline, calling the Dodgers the top landing spot for Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran.

“Durán battled some inconsistency last season, but he is back to being a lights-out closer, posting a 1.66 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 10.2 K/9 while converting 15 of 17 save opportunities. With a fastball that averages 100.3 mph and a lethal splitter and knuckle curve combination, he is the type of electric arm who can be a difference-maker in October.”

Rueter continued highlighting the injuries to Los Angeles’ pen as reasoning for Duran’s fit.

“The Dodgers are without Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Brusdar Graterol, who are all on the 60-day injured list, and slotting Durán alongside Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia would help shorten games.”

Although Treinen is set to return soon, that should not deter the Dodgers from acquiring Duran. Los Angeles’ bullpen leads the league with 430 innings pitched but has the eighth-highest ERA (4.37). Slotting Duran in the backend of their pen would serve the Dodgers in more ways than one, either as a setup man or in a closer-by-committee role with Scott. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported earlier this week that Los Angeles will be aggressive in the search for another relief arm, making the Duran fit even more logical.  

As the Dodgers look to hold onto their NL West lead and clinch another division title, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Los Angeles will be aggressive in the search for another relief arm, making the Duran fit even more logical.  

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.