The New York Yankees are off to a great start in 2026, and continue to dominate the American League. With a 24-11 record, New York needs to keep its foot on the gas pedal, as the Tampa Bay Rays have been a surprising team in the AL East.
Considering the Yankees have such high aspirations (World Series or bust), expect them to be very active in the coming months, making trades and external additions. The Yankees don’t need much (they have the best starting rotation… and Aaron Judge), however, one item the Yanks might want to address is the bullpen. David Bednar has been a great addition for New York, but could the Yankees consider making a blockbuster move for Philadelphia Phillies‘ closer Jhoan Duran? Duran is being activated off the Injured List and continues to be one of MLB’s most dominant relievers.
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Yankees Trade Pitch Offloads Spencer Jones 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)
In this MLB hypothetical trade idea, the New York Yankees offload top prospect Spencer Jones and Luis Gil to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for closer Jhoan Duran.
Luis Gil has no place in the Yankees’ rotation, and Spencer Jones’ position is blocked by Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, Aaron Judge, and perhaps even Jasson Dominguez as well. Spencer Jones is tearing up the minors once again, so he could be a great trade asset to help address one of New York’s needs.
In 6.2 innings pitched this season, Duran has five saves and an ERA of 1.35. The Phillies traded for him at last year’s deadline, but Philadelphia is off to a poor start this season, which could lead to them being sellers come the summer months.
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Would the Yankees Consider Making this Trade?
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 26: Jhoan Duran #59 and Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate a 5-3 win over the Texas Rangers on Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park on March 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
There’s no realm of possibility where the Yankees are not buyers this summer in terms fo trades. After such a strong start, New York is in a clear ‘win-now’ mode, and it’s hard to (aside from the Blue Jays.. maybe) pick out a team that can compete with the Yankees at this very moment.
New York also has a wealth of talent in the minors that can be valuable assets in this trade market.
If the Phillies make Jhoan Duran available, which no reports have indicated (although there has been a lot of speculation and rumors), expect the Yankees to be a real player in acquiring the dominant right-hander.
Jhoan Duran is one of those players, when you look at his stats, that you wonder how he hasn’t been an All-Star before.
In parts of five seasons, Duran holds a 2.41 ERA with 95 total saves in 261 innings and 327 career strikeouts.
So, should the Yankees front office consider making a call to Dave Dombrowski about a potential Jhoan Duran trade?
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