The Detroit Tigers enter the All-Star break with the best record in MLB, but the bullpen has significant holes. Over the last three games against the Seattle Mariners, Detroit’s bullpen allowed 15 ninth-inning runs, creating concern for the second half of the year. With the lack of stellar pitching in the bullpen, the Tigers have eyes on two elite relievers in the AL Central.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Tigers are one of many teams showing strong interest in Minnesota Twins relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax. Duran, 27, was snubbed from the MLB All-Star Game, boasting a 1.66 ERA with 43.1 innings pitched. Meanwhile, Jax, 30, has been better lately after a rough start, but still has a 3.92 ERA with 41.1 innings pitched in 2025.
Detroit has the 21st-best bullpen ERA in MLB, and specifically adding Duran as an elite closer would transform the team. Jax was strong in 2024, and a change of scenery could put him back on track. Yet, it all depends on whether Minnesota will sell at the MLB trade deadline, as it currently sits four games back of the final Wild Card spot.
If the Twins decide to push for the postseason, the Tigers will still have plenty of options available to improve a bullpen that introduced “pitching chaos” in 2024. Detroit needs elite relievers that can lead the team in the postseason, and Duran could be what it is looking for over the next two weeks.
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