Bullpen problems could be a thing of the past for the AL Central leaders.
The AL Central crown remains under the watchful eyes of the Detroit Tigers, who hold an eight-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians.
With the team being clear buyers at this year's trade deadline, this gives the team a chance to address a few of their issues, especially in light of their recent on-field issues.
One of those being the bullpen, specifically a closer, or the lack thereof.
While Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest have traded closing opportunities in the 2025 season, one move by the Tigers could solve their pen problems for good, perhaps with a little assistance from a divisional rival.
As the Tigers thrive atop the AL Central, the Minnesota Twins sit on the outside looking in in terms of the postseason, a Wild Card spot still likely should they catch fire in the second half of the season, but those chances are looking slim as of now.
And with that, the team could be sellers at the deadline, giving the Tigers a perfect opportunity to pick up what many would call an underrated reliever in today's game, Twins closer Jhoan Duran.
According to Nick Ziegler of Detroit Tigers On SI, to acquire Duran, it could cost Detroit two of their most prized prospects in shortstop Bryce Rainer and catcher/first baseman Josue Briceno.
However, for a pitcher with a near triple-digit splitter, surely that should be worth a couple of prime prospects, and especially if that pitcher is only 27 years old.
Duran is currently 5-4 with a 1.86 ERA, 52 strikeouts, and 16 saves in 48 appearances in 2025.
Category: Baseball
