MLB Trade Rumors: Dodgers-Phillies To Lock Horns For Top Relievers As Twins Likely To Cut Ties Before Deadline

The baseball world is about to witness a heavyweight bout, but not on the field. It’s in the front offices. With the July 31 trade deadline rapidly approaching, two of the NL’s most ambitious franchises are preparing to duke it out for the same prize. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies might lock horns for bullpen reinforcements. And the Minnesota Twins might just hold the keys to both teams’ championship dreams.

Leading the charge is Jhoan Duran, whose triple-digit fastball paired with an upper-90s splinker makes him one of baseball’s most electric arms. The 27-year-old has been absolutely dominant this season, posting a microscopic 1.49 ERA across 42.1 innings while collecting 15 saves. His four-year tenure with Minnesota and team control through 2027 only sweetens the package.

Meanwhile, Griffin Jax offers a different but equally compelling profile. Despite a 4.02 ERA this season, the 30-year-old remains a strikeout machine, fanning 65 batters in just 40.1 innings. His 2.03 ERA from last season proves his capabilities when dialed in.

These aren’t your typical rental relievers – we’re talking about controllable arms with proven track records in high-leverage situations. And then, here’s where the plot thickens. The Minnesota Twins find themselves at a crossroads, sitting just three games back in the American League wild-card race. While selling isn’t guaranteed, the front office might pivot if their playoff odds continue to dwindle.

The Phillies’ bullpen has been one of the worst in baseball, with Jose Alvarado suspended for 80 games and out for the postseason following a PED suspension. Their late-inning struggles torpedoed last year’s playoff run, and with their championship window wide open, they can’t afford another bullpen meltdown. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are always looking to add depth for their October push.

Both teams know that October baseball is won and lost in the final three innings. And right now, neither feels completely confident about their relief corps. The Twins, potentially running a relief pitcher auction house, hold the cards in what could be the deadline’s most heated battle.

Well, the Tigers, Cubs, and Reds are also sniffing around Minnesota’s bullpen, creating a seller’s market that could drive up prices. But here’s the thing – elite relievers with team control don’t hit the market often. Both the Dodgers and Phillies have the farm system depth to make competitive offers, but only one can walk away with the prize. The question isn’t whether Minnesota will deal with these arms, but which contender will pay the steepest price for late-inning insurance.

Now, speaking of backup plans, the Dodgers aren’t just sitting idle while negotiations heat up.

Dodgers’ insurance policy brings familiar face back

Desperation breeds reunion in Los Angeles. With their pitching staff ravaged by injuries, the Dodgers have turned to a familiar face to bolster their depth, claiming former draft pick Nick Nastrini off waivers.

The 25-year-old right-hander, originally selected by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2021 draft out of UC Berkeley, finds himself back where his professional journey began after a winding path through multiple organizations.

The circle couldn’t be more complete—or complicated.

Nastrini was dealt to the Chicago White Sox in 2023 as part of the package that brought Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly to Los Angeles. Since then, his major league numbers have been brutal: A 7.98 ERA in nine appearances last season and a similarly concerning 7.58 ERA across 21 minor league games this year. The Miami Marlins claimed him off waivers in July before designating him for assignment just days ago, clearing the path for his Dodgers homecoming.

But why is LA hedging their bets? The Dodgers understand that trades like the potential Duran or Jax acquisition come with steep prices. But internal options provide leverage in negotiations. If they can’t land their top targets, at least they have fallback plans. It’s classic Dodgers front office strategy – cover all your bases while swinging for the fences.