The Philadelphia Phillies made a massive mid-season trade in 2025, acquiring flame-throwing closer Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins in a deadline deal.
He was a great closer for them last season, and while there were some struggles here and there, overall, he was a massive positive for the team. However, the same cannot be said about his two outings to begin the 2026 season. He’s struggled a bit.
However, ESPN’s David Schoenfield is urging Phillies fans not to worry, as the concern about Duran after his struggles this March is not worth stressing over.
Why Phillies fans shouldn’t worry about Jhoan Duran’s struggles
“There shouldn’t be too much concern about the Phillies’ Duran or the Seattle Mariners‘ Andres Munoz losing games in extra innings with multiple runs allowed,” Schoenfield writes.
Duran’s start to the year wasn’t ideal. He made two appearances, neither being a traditional save situation, and both with a runner on base when he came into the game.
While he got the save in his first outing after Kyle Backhus struggled in his Phillies debut, Duran’s second outing was a lot worse.
He pitched a full inning, allowing two hits and one earned run along with the ghost runner at second base to begin the inning in extras.
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The 28-year-old closer isn’t off to the best start, with a 5.40 ERA in 1.2 innings pitched. But it’s still too soon to be worried about Duran for the Phillies.
He still has great stuff, and he has yet to enter a game normally to secure a save. Whether it’s at home with his epic entrance or on the road in the bottom of the ninth, Duran hasn’t had a traditional save opportunity yet.
If these struggles were to continue for a while, then concern could be realistic. But, for now, Phillies fans shouldn’t be too worried about some of the struggles from Duran to begin the year. It’s only been three games out of 162; fans should be patient.
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