The Detroit Tigers, currently holding the best record in Major League Baseball heading into the All-Star break, are facing major concerns with their bullpen, particularly after giving up 15 runs in the ninth inning over a recent three-game stretch against the Seattle Mariners. As they gear up for the second half of the season, shoring up the relief corps has become a top priority.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Detroit is showing strong interest in two standout Minnesota Twins relievers—Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax. Duran, 27, was surprisingly left out of the All-Star Game despite posting an impressive 1.66 ERA over 43.1 innings. Jax, 30, has shown improvement after a rocky start and currently holds a 3.92 ERA across 41.1 innings this season. While the Tigers rank just 21st in bullpen ERA across the league, the addition of Duran could significantly bolster their late-game pitching and elevate the team’s postseason potential. Jax, who had a solid 2024 campaign, may also benefit from a new environment.
Whether Detroit can acquire either pitcher will likely depend on Minnesota’s approach at the trade deadline. The Twins remain in playoff contention, sitting four games out of the final Wild Card spot, and could opt to hold onto their key arms. However, even if a deal with Minnesota doesn’t materialize, the Tigers are expected to pursue other high-impact bullpen additions to stabilize a relief unit that was a source of turmoil in 2024.
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