By Gavin Sweeney
Sweeney is local student-writer getting ready to enter his sophomore year of high school. An aspiring journalist, he has a passion for sports and is an avid Philly sports fan.
In this article, Gavin highlights the two acquisitions by the Phillies this week and gives his take on how it affects their chances at a World Series run. Then, we list each of the trade deadline deals that happened around the MLB this week.
If you like this type of coverage, please let us know by Following us on social media: Twitter/X – @lebcosports1, Facebook, & Instagram.
For any questions, comments, or discrepancies, please reach out to dan@lebcosports.com.
Who did the Phillies acquire?
Jhoan Durán
The Phillies acquired star closer Jhoan Durán from the Minnesota Twins in a blockbuster trade, sending prospects Mick Abel and Eduardo Tait to Minnesota. The 27-year-old right-handed reliever, known for his triple-digit fastball and swing-and-miss stuff, bolsters Philadelphia’s bullpen with a reliable ninth-inning arm.
Under team control through 2027, Durán offers long-term stability and the ability to dominate both left- and right-handed hitters. His addition, alongside Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm, creates a formidable late-inning trio, signaling the Phillies’ “win-now” mentality for postseason success, as noted by Kyle Schwarber.
Durán debuted with the Twins in 2022 after being signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015 and later traded to Minnesota. His electric fastball, consistently exceeding 100 mph, low ERA, and high strikeout rates have established him as one of baseball’s premier relievers, making him a key asset for Philadelphia’s championship aspirations.
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
The proper way to pronounce Jhoan Duran ⤵️ #MNTwins https://t.co/lqZIeffY19 pic.twitter.com/knv6WvxDma
— Dustin Morse (@morsecode) April 4, 2022
Harrison Bader
In a separate deal with the Minnesota Twins, the Phillies acquired outfielder Harrison Bader, trading outfielder Hendry Mendez and pitcher Geremy Villoria. Bader, a 31-year-old right-handed hitter, is batting .258 in 2025 with 12 home runs and 38 RBIs, adding offensive depth to a Phillies outfield plagued by inconsistency from Brandon Marsh, Nick Castellanos, and Johan Rojas. A 2021 Gold Glove winner, Bader brings defensive reliability, speed, and postseason experience, enhancing Philadelphia’s outfield production, which ranks among the league’s worst.
Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015, Bader debuted in 2017 and later played for the New York Yankees and Twins. With a career .246 average, 76 home runs, and 97 stolen bases through 2025, his defensive prowess and versatility make him a valuable addition to the Phillies’ lineup.
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
Find out where you’re staying when you go to see the Phillies on their next road trip.
Gavin’s Take
Phillies Overall Grade: A-
As you know, the Phillies have been close to winning the World Series for the past 2-3 years but have fallen short due to a lackluster bullpen and inconsistent batting. With this potentially being the last season for Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Ranger Suárez due to expiring contracts, the Phillies are in win-now mode. They acquired Jhoan Durán and Harrison Bader from the Minnesota Twins. The outcome of this move is a 50/50 situation. Yes, Durán is a shutdown closer with nasty stuff and team control through 2027—an amazing move for the Phillies, and they didn’t give up much. Eduardo Tait has some upside with his bat and could potentially be an amazing catcher one day in the majors, but the Phillies’ window is closing. Mick Abel has shown flashes with his pitch arsenal, but with the Phillies’ strong starting rotation and top pitching prospect Andrew Painter coming up, I realistically don’t see Abel making a significant impact for this team in the long run.
Durán was a needed addition, as the Phillies’ bullpen ranks 24th in the league with a 4.45 ERA, and Jose Alvarado is ineligible for the postseason due to a suspension earlier this season for PEDs. A much-needed move. Establishing a shutdown closer is crucial in baseball, especially in the postseason. Durán so far loves Philadelphia and said he now sees how the fans “love baseball” and “do everything for baseball.” He also showed much appreciation to Phillies manager Rob Thomson for surrendering his number 59 to Durán. Durán’s wife was nearly in tears from the kind gesture while feeling welcomed in Philadelphia. The number 59 is significant to Durán and his family, even appearing in his swimming pool in the Dominican Republic. Thomson, on the other hand, joked that Durán’s wife was upset because she would have to update her merchandise if Durán didn’t get the number 59. Thomson said to Durán, “If it makes you feel better, I’m all in.”
Also, sick entrance for the closer!
Jhoan Duran kept his entrance from when he was with the Twins and introduced it to the Bank. pic.twitter.com/LU1NvVHgyk
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 2, 2025
Even more importantly, consistency at the plate is essential, or the pitching won’t matter as much. The Phillies called the GM of the Minnesota Twins, Jeremy Zoll, to discuss another trade and executed acquiring OF Harrison Bader. Bader is a solid pickup, a former Gold Glove winner with some pop in his bat and postseason experience. It’s well-known that the Phillies have had an outfield crisis for years. They’ve always had a decent, maybe slightly above-average infield, but never an exceptional outfield. So, getting another outfielder was a massive pickup. To acquire Bader, the Phillies gave up Hendry Mendez and Geremy Villoria. This trade was an absolute steal for the Phils. I like Mendez as a young prospect, but knowing they have Aroon Escobar and Aidan Miller as better infield prospects, I was 100% on board with trading Mendez. Villoria has some upside with his pitches but is only 16 years old from Venezuela. Again, the Phillies are in win-now mode and aren’t willing to wait 5-6 years to see if a young prospect pans out. Getting Bader for that price was an overall steal, not just because of the trade value, but because the Phillies’ outfield ranks 26th in OPS (.677), 24th in slugging (.372), and 27th in DRS with -18. They are also 26th in the league with a WAR of 1.0. The Phillies desperately needed a change in the outfield. Trading for Bader was a huge move, especially since Bader is better than the Phillies’ entire outfield in almost every stat, with Gold Glove defense. His right-handed power bat should definitely add a spark to this lefty-heavy power lineup. The Phillies lost that right-handed power bat when Rhys Hoskins went to the Milwaukee Brewers after Bryce Harper’s position change to first base. It’s refreshing to get back that right-handed power bat spark.
Overall trade deadline grade for the Fightin’ Phils: A-. Hopefully, this is the year that they can finally cross the finish line.
MLB Deadline Deals
- Astros acquire Carlos Correa from Twins.
- Correa, a former Astro, waived his no-trade clause for a blockbuster reunion. Return not specified.
- Astros acquire Jesús Sánchez from Marlins for Ryan Gusto.
- Sánchez’s .791 OPS vs. RHP bolsters Houston’s lineup with a left-handed bat.
- Padres acquire Mason Miller, JP Sears from Athletics for Leodalis De Vries, three others.
- GM A.J. Preller lands a star closer and starter for a steep prospect cost.
- Padres acquire Ryan O’Hearn, Ramón Laureano from Orioles for six prospects.
- O’Hearn (13 HR, 135 OPS+) and Laureano (15 HR, 145 OPS+) boost San Diego’s offense.
- Padres acquire Freddy Fermin from Royals for Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek.
- Fermin addresses San Diego’s catching needs.
- Mets acquire Ryan Helsley from Cardinals for Jesus Baez, Nate Dohm, Frank Elissalt.
- Helsley (3.00 ERA, 41 K) fortifies New York’s bullpen.
- Mets acquire Cedric Mullins from Orioles for Raimon Gómez, Anthony Nunez, Chandler Marsh.
- Mullins, a former All-Star, upgrades the Mets’ center field.
- Mets acquire Tyler Rogers from Giants for José Buttó, Tidwell, Gilbert.
- Rogers’ 1.80 ERA and submarine delivery add bullpen depth.
- Yankees acquire Ryan McMahon from Rockies for Griffin Herring, Josh Grosz.
- McMahon (16 HR) provides a long-term third base solution.
- Yankees acquire David Bednar from Pirates.
- Bednar, a two-time All-Star, strengthens the bullpen. Return not specified.
- Yankees acquire Camilo Doval from Giants.
- Doval adds another high-leverage reliever. Return not specified.
- Yankees acquire Jake Bird from Rockies.
- Bird, controllable through 2028, is a low-cost bullpen add. Return not specified.
- Mariners acquire Eugenio Suárez from Diamondbacks for Tyler Locklear, Hunter Cranton, Juan Burgos.
- Suárez’s 36 HR in 2025 add power to Seattle’s lineup.
- Mariners acquire Josh Naylor from Diamondbacks for Brandyn Garcia, Ashton Izzi.
- Naylor’s .807 OPS boosts Seattle’s offense.
- Reds acquire Zack Littell; Rays acquire Hunter Feduccia, Brian Van Belle; Dodgers acquire Adam Serwinowski, Paul Gervase, Ben Rortvedt.
- Littell (3.58 ERA) bolsters Cincinnati’s rotation in a three-team deal.
- Cubs acquire Michael Soroka from Nationals for Christian Franklin, Ronny Cruz.
- Soroka (4.87 ERA) adds pitching depth with upside.
- Cubs acquire Willi Castro from Twins for Ryan Gallagher, Sam Armstrong.
- Castro’s versatility aids Chicago’s roster flexibility.
- Dodgers acquire Brock Stewart from Twins for James Outman.
- Stewart bolsters LA’s bullpen; Outman’s Dodgers tenure ends.
- Tigers acquire Chris Paddack, Randy Dobnak from Twins for Josue Jimenez.
- Paddack (4.95 ERA) addresses Detroit’s rotation needs.
- Tigers acquire Kyle Finnegan from Nationals for Josh Randall, R.J..
- Finnegan (4.38 ERA) strengthens Detroit’s bullpen.
- Rangers acquire Danny Coulombe from Twins for Brad Horn.
- Coulombe, a rental, enhances Texas’ bullpen.
- Rays acquire Griffin Jax from Twins.
- Jax’s high strikeout rate bolsters Tampa’s bullpen. Return not specified.
- Blue Jays acquire Louis Varland, Ty France from Twins for Alan Roden, Kendrys Rojas.
- Varland (2.02 ERA) and France (.744 OPS vs. LHP) aid Toronto.
- Blue Jays acquire Shane Bieber from Guardians for Khal Stephen.
- Bieber, recovering from Tommy John, has a $16M option for 2026.
- Royals acquire Bailey Falter from Pirates for Callan Moss, Evan Sisk.
- Falter (115 ERA+) adds rotation depth through 2028.
- Red Sox acquire Steven Matz from Cardinals.
- Matz provides pitching depth for Boston’s playoff push. Return not specified.
- Brewers acquire Shelby Miller from Diamondbacks.
- Miller (217 ERA+ in 36 IP, currently injured) adds bullpen depth if healthy. Return not specified.
- Royals acquire Mike Yastrzemski from Giants.
- Yastrzemski, a rental, boosts KC’s outfield offense. Return not specified.
- Yankees acquire José Caballero from Rays for Everson Pereira, PTBNL.
- Caballero (34 SB, controllable through 2030) adds infield speed.
- Mets acquire Gregory Soto from Orioles for Aracena, Foster.
- Soto (3.96 ERA) adds left-handed bullpen depth.
- Pirates acquire Ke’Bryan Hayes from Reds for Sammy Stafura, Taylor Rogers.
- Hayes (.236 BA) brings Gold Glove defense despite offensive struggles.
- Dodgers acquire Alex Call from Nationals.
- Call (.274 BA, .756 OPS) adds outfield depth and platoon potential. Return not specified.
- Red Sox acquire Dustin May from Dodgers for James Tibbs III.
- May (104 IP in 2025) gives Boston rotation depth.
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