Should the Phillies Begin Contract Extension Talks with Jhoan Duran? Jhoan Duran has been every bit the elite closer he was advertised as since joining the Phillies last year. In 40 appearances since the trade deadline, he is 27 for 30 in save opportunities with a 1.93 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. He has started 2026 strongly, posting a perfect 11 for 11 record in save chances and a 1.62 ERA through 17 appearances. Since returning from the injured list on May 5th, Duran has allowed two runs across 10 appearances, striking out 18 batters while walking five. His performance has established him as a key asset for the Phillies. Duran’s success has naturally led to discussions about a potential contract extension. He is currently under team control via arbitration through the 2027 season and will be eligible for free agency at age 30. His 2026 salary of $7.5 million represents an increase from the $4 million he earned in 2025. His lack of long-term security has reportedly influenced his decisions, including declining an invitation to pitch in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Recent reliever deals provide a framework for evaluating a potential extension. Edwin Diaz signed a five-year, $103 million deal with the Mets prior to 2023, later opting out of the final two years of his contract to pursue free agency. He then agreed to a three-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers, effectively extending his total earnings to $134 million over six years. Josh Hader signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Astros in 2024, averaging $19 million annually. These examples suggest that closers of Duran’s caliber command contracts exceeding $20 million per season. If Duran continues his current pace, a five-year, $100 million+ deal appears likely.#new_york_mets #philadelphia_phillies #edwin_diaz #jhoan_duran #josh_hader
Jhoan Duran Placed on Injured List Amid Left Oblique Strain The Philadelphia Phillies placed closer Jhoan Duran on the 15-day injured list on Saturday, April 18, 2026, due to a left oblique strain. The move is retroactive to Wednesday, April 15, marking the start of his absence from the team’s active roster. Duran, who had been a dominant force in the Phillies’ bullpen, will remain sidelined until at least April 30, according to the team’s official announcement. Duran entered the 2026 season as a key contributor, showcasing his effectiveness as the team’s primary closer. Through six games, he had pitched 6.2 innings while maintaining a 1.35 earned run average (ERA) and a 0.75 whip (walks plus hits per inning pitched). His five saves in that span highlighted his reliability in high-leverage situations. However, his recent performance was interrupted by the injury, as he had not pitched in a week prior to the placement on the injured list. The Phillies’ decision to place Duran on the IL comes as the team seeks to manage its bullpen depth amid the absence of its primary closer. Brad Keller and Jose Alvarado are expected to step into the saves role while Duran is sidelined. Additionally, the organization has called up Seth Johnson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to bolster the bullpen’s options. Johnson, who has experience in the majors, will provide further flexibility in the late-inning scenarios. The injury adds another layer of challenge for the Phillies’ pitching staff, which has already faced adjustments due to the departure of other relievers. Duran’s absence could test the depth of the bullpen, particularly as the team navigates a critical stretch of the season.#philadelphia_phillies #jose_alvarado #jhoan_duran #brad_keller #seth_johnson
Jhoan Duran Placed on Injured List with Left Oblique Strain The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Saturday that star closer Jhoan Duran has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left oblique strain. The move is retroactive to Wednesday, meaning Duran, who has not appeared in a game since April 11, will be eligible to return from the injured list on April 30. The decision comes as the team seeks to manage its bullpen while Duran recovers. Duran, 28, has been a key contributor for the Phillies this season, posting a 1-1 record with five saves in seven games. Through 6 2/3 innings, he has allowed two runs (one earned) while striking out eight batters and walking none. The right-hander was acquired from the Minnesota Twins in a trade before the July 31 deadline and has since recorded a 1.98 ERA across 27 1/3 innings with the team. Since joining the Phillies, Duran has converted 21 of his 24 save opportunities, showcasing his reliability in high-leverage situations. The injury comes at a critical juncture for the Phillies’ bullpen, which has relied heavily on Duran’s dominance in high-stakes moments. With his absence, the team is expected to turn to right-hander Brad Keller as the primary closer for the ninth inning. Keller, who signed a two-year contract with the Phillies as a free agent in December, previously served as the Chicago Cubs’ closer late last season. This season, Keller has a 4.70 ERA through 7 2/3 innings, though his expected ERA, based on advanced metrics, is projected at 2.51. In addition to Duran’s placement, the Phillies made another bullpen move by adding right-hander Seth Johnson to their roster. Johnson, who has appeared in just one game this season, gave up five runs (three earned) in 1 2/3 innings against the Cubs on April 13.#philadelphia_phillies #minnesota_twins #jhoan_duran #brad_keller #seth_johnson
