The Los Angeles Dodgers are circling the Minnesota Twins with more than just curiosity. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Dodgers have expressed interest in acquiring outfielder Harrison Bader, and there’s growing speculation that Los Angeles could package a deal for hard-throwing closer Jhoan Duran as well.
While the Dodgers have clarified that their biggest deadline priority is bolstering a battered bullpen, the team isn’t stopping there. With Michael Conforto continuing to underwhelm at the plate, the front office appears open to shuffling the outfield mix if the right deal presents itself. Bader, a defensive standout with sneaky pop, could be the ideal addition.
Bader Fits the Dodgers’ Needs—Even if He’s Not the Lefty They Wanted
Though the Dodgers are believed to prefer a left-handed hitting outfielder, Bader’s profile is hard to ignore. The 31-year-old slashes .250/.332/.435 with 12 home runs and a 114 wRC+ over 92 games. He already racked up seven Defensive Runs Saved and nine Good Fielding Plays in the first two months of the season, showcasing his elite defensive value.
His ability to cover all three outfield positions would give manager Dave Roberts much-needed flexibility. And considering Conforto’s ongoing struggles and James Outman’s inconsistencies, Bader could immediately slot into the starting lineup and improve the team’s run prevention overnight.
The Twins are reportedly “seriously listening” on all expiring contracts, which include Bader, Willi Castro, and Danny Coulombe. With the Yankees rumored to be in on Castro and the Dodgers now sniffing around Bader, the Twins could play a central role in deadline week.
Could Jhoan Duran Be the Bullpen Fix LA Desperately Needs?
While Bader alone would address the Dodgers’ outfield woes, Duran could make the most significant impact in October. The flame-throwing right-hander owns a 1.90 ERA and routinely touches triple digits. Reporters have mentioned him alongside elite names like Emmanuel Clase and Cade Smith as potential bullpen solutions for Los Angeles.
Acquiring both Bader and Duran wouldn’t come cheap. The Twins control Duran through 2027 and will demand a significant return, especially from a team like the Dodgers, who have already depleted their top-tier farm depth in recent years. But solving two of their biggest roster holes—outfield defense and bullpen reliability—in one deal represents precisely the kind of bold, win-now move Andrew Friedman has become known for.
There’s also the possibility of including reliever Griffin Jax in a larger deal, giving the Dodgers two controllable high-leverage arms. Los Angeles may have to part with a valuable prospect like Dalton Rushing or even dangle an MLB piece like Dustin May, whom The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal recently mentioned as a trade chip.
If the Dodgers pull off a deal for both Bader and Duran, it would mark yet another aggressive midseason push by a front office unafraid to spend prospect capital when the moment calls for it. Because the National League remains wide open and October pitching depth always concerns contenders, the Dodgers must swing big now to avoid another early exit and make a deep postseason run.
The clock is ticking, with the trade deadline looming at 3 p.m. PT on July 31. If the Dodgers want to secure Bader and Duran, they’ll need to act decisively—and be willing to pay up.
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