Did we forget that Jhoan Duran is a member of the Philadelphia Phillies?
There have been plenty of storylines to follow since Spring Training began back in February.
The Bryce Harper-Dave Dombrowski saga took center stage, with the three young Phillies prospects (Justin Crawford, Andrew Painter and Aidan Miller) following closely behind. How would Aaron Nola look coming off an injury-riddled season in 2025?
The World Baseball Classic has added unique excitement for Phillies fans thanks to a large contingent of players taking time to perform for their respective countries.
Lastly, an extension agreement with Jesus Luzardo has been the recent buzz surrounding the club.
One of the players who might be getting lost in the shuffle early on is Jhoan Duran. The Phillies acquired Duran at the trade deadline last summer in a deal with the Minnesota Twins.
Duran quickly became a beloved member of the team.
His theatrical entrance at Citizens Bank Park quickly won him over with the fanbase.
His elite velocity earned him the closer job from manager Rob Thomson on day one.
The fireballer right-hander showcases a four-pitch mix, which includes his dominant sinker. Duran reguarally breaks the 100 mile-per-hour threshold with his four-seam fastball, with his sinker touching the high 90's as well.
In just a limited number of opportunities last season, Duran quickly became the team leader in saves, going 16 for 19 in the regular season. He pitched in multiple postseason games for the Phillies, shutting down top hitters in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup.
For the first time in a long while, the Phillies have a defined closer heading into the season. Duran will anchor the ninth, with newly signed Brad Keller and a returning Jose Alvarado being featured in set-up roles.
Duran will have the opportunity to chase Phillies history with a healthy season in 2026. The single-season saves record for the Phillies is 45, a mark set by Jose Mesa in 2002. Mesa joined the Phillies in 2001 where he delivered back-to-back seasons of 40+ saves. For the longest time, he was the club’s all-time saves leader.
This honor would later be taken by Jonathon Papelbon, who saved 123 games from 2012-2015.
Both Mesa and Papelbon were able to set the record for most saves in a single season on the Phillies teams that missed the postseason. With World Series aspirations in 2026, the team should be able to provide plenty of chances for Duran to rack up saves.
With the collective bargaining agreement negotiations between MLB and the MLBPA next season, Duran’s opportunity to chase after the all-time saves record may be in doubt. A shortened season next calendar year could limit the number of games Major League Baseball schedules.
Regardless of records, Duran, like the club, will have high expectations placed on them this season. A dynamic bullpen will give the Phillies a chance to repeat in the National League East for the third consecutive season and make the playoffs for the fifth straight year.
A championship is top of mind for the Philadelphia Phillies. However, a little team history could be made during their journey to the next Red October.
