The New York Yankees are off to a hot start this season. Currently tied with the Tampa Bay Rays for the lead in the American League Central, New York has one of the best pitching staffs in MLB.
One thing they sort of lack in, if you’re nitpicking crazy, is bullpen depth. Since trading for David Bednar last season in late July, he has been very solid in the closer role. Although it’s early to start thinking about blockbuster trade ideas, it’s never too early to speculate about what contenders could pick off other teams’ assets. One potential trade candidate that’s emerged in trade conversations lately is Philadelphia Phillies‘ closer Jhoan Duran, who could form a great 1-2 right-handed combo with Bednar in the Yankees bullpen.
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Yankees Floated as Trade Destination 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)
FanSided.com’s Wynston Wilcox recently detailed how the Yankees’ bullpen has performed this season:
âOutside of David Bednar, the Yankeesâ bullpen has been inconsistent at best this year. The Yanks offense has been on point to start 2026, but the relievers and closers havenât necessarily been the most efficient. David Bednar has been the only real consistent arm on this staff. He has nine saves, a decent ERA (3.29) with 16 strikeouts and no home runs given up. Heâs been the catalyst of the bullpen, but he canât do it all himself.”
The piggyback to this trade idea is the Yankees putting together a package of Anthony Volpe and prospect Ben Hess. Volpe’s name has been linked to trade rumors throughout the season, and Ben Hess is a pitching prospect the Phillies might demand in return.
Wilcox then adds that Jhoan Duran could be a perfect option to solve the bullpen woes, especially after a recent collapse against the Brewers. Jhoan Duran has been sidelined for a bit this season, but he’s still as dominant as ever, posting a 2.08 ERA in his first handful of innings this season. It’s shocking that he has yet to be named an MLB All-Star with some of his stats with the Minnesota Twins.
Sporting News writer Hunter Cookston then wrote about Duran’s fit in the Yankees bullpen:
“Duran is just beginning to settle back in after recently returning from the injury earlier this week. A bullpen featuring both Bednar and Duran would be a nightmare matchup for opposing teams. If New York could somehow pull off a deal for the hard-throwing reliever, it could completely change the outlook of their season.”
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Yankees Could Use Anthony Volpe as Trade Chip
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 02: Aaron Judge #99 and Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees celebrate after Anthony Volpe drove them both in with a three run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Yankee Stadium on April 02, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the New York Yankees 4-3. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Due to the fact that Anthony Volpe is reeling in the minors, the Yankees may want to trade off their controversial infielder.
Manager Aaron Boone has been very cautious and hesitant when asked about Volpe, and it might be time for New York to just move on from him.
There haven’t been any official reports about the Yankees wanting to move on from Anthony Volpe, but the proof is in the pudding, and New York seems very content without his services.
Volpe is a very interesting name to watch out for as trade season progresses, and if the Phillies seriously think about moving on from Jhoan Duran, the Yankees stand out as a top destination.
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