The New York Yankees may already have one of the toughest bullpens in the American League, but they could further solidify their dominance by making a strategic move. With the addition of two-time National League Reliever of the Year, Devin Williams, the Yankees now boast a formidable back-end pairing that could rival any team in Major League Baseball, provided that Luke Weaver can replicate his impressive 2024 performance. However, aside from these two, the bullpen lacks consistent high-leverage options, which raises the question: should they strengthen it further?
In a recent article, Jonathan Vankin of Heavy proposed a potential trade target for the Yankees: Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran. The 26-year-old right-hander is one of the hardest throwers in the game, known for his blazing four-seam fastball that can reach over 104 miles per hour and his “splinker,” a hybrid pitch that sits near 100 mph. Over his first three seasons, Duran has posted a solid 2.59 ERA with 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings, making him an appealing asset for any team looking to bolster its bullpen.
Duran, currently earning $1.7 million in arbitration, is under team control for three more seasons, making him a valuable and cost-effective addition to any contender. While his price will gradually increase, he remains a bargain compared to other high-level relievers, particularly when considering his youth and effectiveness. The Yankees, with a deep roster and pitching staff, could afford to part with a piece like Clarke Schmidt, a right-handed starter who seems expendable given their pitching depth. However, to land Duran, the Yankees would likely need to offer additional assets, making it a potentially steep cost.
For the Twins, who are not immediate World Series contenders, dealing Duran could make sense, especially for the right price. Despite their willingness to consider offers, the Twins are under no obligation to move him quickly, so the Yankees would need to make a compelling offer—one that would likely require significant trade capital.
Adding Duran to the bullpen would allow the Yankees to deepen their relief corps, taking pressure off their high-priced starting pitchers. With a more dynamic bullpen, the Yankees could position themselves as a more formidable team in 2025, making the acquisition of Duran a move worth considering. In conclusion, while the Yankees’ bullpen is already strong, acquiring Duran would likely push them to the next level, creating a bullpen that could rival any in the league.
