Blockbuster Cubs Trade Idea Would Move Haul for Twins' Jhoan Duran

The Chicago Cubs have to feel good about what they've done over the early parts of the season. However, for this team to become the squad they aspire to be in the postseason, moves will have to be made at the deadline.

Fortunately, according to nearly every ranking, the Cubs have the top farm system in MLB. If they want to land a dominant starter, an elite reliever, or a star hitter if one becomes available, they have the ammo to get the job done.

In a recent trade idea from Andrew Wright of Newsweek, they’d do just that in the form of Jhoan Duran, a right-handed closer who runs his fastball up to 100-plus miles per hour.

Duran also has one of the best splitters in the world, which many consider one of the top pitches in the game.

Minnesota Twins pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Target Field.

Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

“Duran is the closer on a Minnesota team that looks to be headed nowhere this season. With a record of 13-17 in a bit of is a top-heavy AL Central division, it may be time for the Twins to begin thinking about trades.

“Duran has pitched to a 1.46 ERA in 12 1/3 innings and he would undoubtedly be the flame-thrower in the bullpen that Chicago is lacking. It is unclear if Minnesota would even listen to calls on Duran, but it certainly can't hurt for the Cubs to try,” he wrote.

The Minnesota Twins have struggled to start the season, and the chances of them turning things around don’t seem very likely, given their lack of offensive production for much of the past few years.

Factor that in with Duran being arbitration-eligible in 2026, and the team might look to move him for a decent package.

He's been better than ever in 2025, posting a 1.46 ERA and striking out 12 hitters in 12.1 innings.