The Los Angeles Dodgers are always an MLB team that you have to look out for when it comes to making splash trades. They’ve shown over the course of several years that they are not afraid to let go of either top prospects or struggling players if it means putting themselves in a better position to win (or advance) to the World Series.
So, what could potentially happen this summer? That remains unknown, but the Dodgers were recently floated as a trade destination by FanSided.com writer Wynston Wilcox for Phillies’ closer Jhoan Duran:
“The Phillies should consider trading Duran for one simple reason. They can get a good return and deal a player that would be in high demand. This is the season from hell for Philly and trading Duran might be the only good thing that could come from the 2026 season so far.”
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Should the Dodgers Trade for Jhoan Duran?
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 31: Jhoan Duran #59 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on March 31, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Despite having several million dollars tied to their bullpen, the Dodgers have still struggled to close out games this season, and Dave Roberts operates on a closer-by-committee basis.
Wilcox names the Dodgers as one of four MLB teams with a realistic shot at trading for Jhoan Duran:
“This move has Los Angeles written all over it right? The Dodgers have a chokehold on MLB and somehow money isnât a worry for them. They can win two consecutive World Series titles and they still feel like they have to monopolize the best market for the top players. The Dodgers consistently field some of the best lineups and have some of the best prospects. The Phillies could get aggressive in getting as much for Duran as they want essentially.”
Duran was just activated off the Injured List for the Phillies. Even though Philadelphia has struggled this season, it could be in the process of turning its season around under new interim manager Don Mattingly.
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What Would the Dodgers Have to Give up in Potential Jhoan Duran Trade?
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 11: Jhoan Duran #59 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on April 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Diamondbacks 4-3 (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a luxury of tradeable assets, so it could be a situation where the Phillies actually decide (to some extent) what they might want in return from the Dodgers.
Duran is a high-profile name, and considering the Phillies just traded for him last season (and he’s under team control for another season), the Dodgers might have to let go of a player like Andy Pages, Justin Wrobleski, or Emmet Sheehan to complete a deal.
However, Duran remains one of MLB’s most dynamic closers. He comes at hitters with a 100 MPH fastball, a hammer curveball, and a splitter that can reach 90 MPH. In 2025, over 7.2 innings, Duran has 10 strikeouts and five saves. He has 95 saves for his career in 254 games pitched.
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