We are a little over a month away from the trade deadline and it is still unknown exactly what the Atlanta Braves and Alex Anthopoulos are going to do. The Braves are certainly playing better than they were outside of the Marlins series, but we don't know exactly how far AA is willing to go to support a roster so far out of the playoff hunt nor do we know if Atlanta can keep this thing on the tracks. One option that should be on the table regardless of the plan is to add at least one controllable bullpen arm and the Twins' Jhoan Duran seems like he could be a fine target.
The Braves' bullpen has been a mess for a while now. Raisel Iglesias has been better than his disastrous start to the season, but his appearances can still be an adventure as was the case against the Mets on Monday. Atlanta is still having to rely on meaningful innings from Enyel De Los Santos and Rafael Montero which is not exactly where you want to be.
In short, adding a true power bullpen arm that the Braves can keep beyond this season should be a priority. According to ESPN baseball expert (and prospect guru) Kiley McDaniel along with Jeff Passan, who put out their ranking of the top MLB trade deadline candidates this week, it appears as though that Duran is indeed a deadline fit for the Braves. However, it will cost the Braves to get a deal done.
The Braves should absolutely make a run at trading for Jhoan Duran
Duran is a very easy guy to like. His fastball averages over 100 mph and combined with his splitter, he is a nightmare for hitters to deal with in the late innings. Arguably more importantly, Duran is under team control through 2027 as an arbitration-eligible player. A true power arm that is cheap, effective, and has 2.5 years of team control? Yes please.
Of course, it isn't like the rest of the league hasn't noticed that Duran is really good. The Braves do not have an arm in their bullpen like Duran and he would be great, but every single playoff contender this year would LOVE to add him as well. The Braves probably have the pieces to make a run at a high end bullpen arm on the trade market, but it would be painful. There is also the matter of the Twins actually cooperating, though that is an organization that needs to continually refill the minor league ranks with trades like these and could probably be convinced.
In Duran's case, the pain might be worth it. You would immediately fill the closer spot that is likely to be permanently vacated by Iglesias after the season for at least the next couple of years and give the 2025 Braves a move that would energize both the clubhouse and the fan base. If you want the best, you often have to pay for it and Duran is definitely an arm that is worth an investment in.