MINNEAPOLIS — Jhoan Duran’s average fastball velocity has climbed to 101.8 mph in 2025, up from 101.1 mph in 2024, per Statcast. The Minnesota Twins closer now owns the highest average velocity among any reliever in the American League Central. His strikeout rate has surged to 41.2%, while his hard-hit percentage dropped to 22.1%.
The contrast with the Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen is stark. On Tuesday, the Phillies recalled right-hander Max Lazar from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and optioned Kyle Backhus to the minors. It was the team’s fifth bullpen move in two weeks ahead of a series against the Cincinnati Reds. Philadelphia’s relief ERA sits at 4.47, 22nd in MLB.
Duran’s dominance extends beyond velocity. His splinker — a splitter-fastball hybrid — averages 100.3 mph, making it the fastest secondary pitch in baseball. The combination creates matchup nightmares. Opponents are hitting .142 against him in 2025, the lowest mark among AL Central closers.
| Closer | Team | Save % | WHIP | Opp. Avg | Avg FB Velo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jhoan Duran | Twins | 94.1% | 0.83 | .142 | 101.8 mph |
| Emmanuel Clase | Guardians | 88.2% | 1.01 | .178 | 99.2 mph |
| Alex Lange | Tigers | 85.7% | 1.18 | .204 | 97.4 mph |
The Phillies’ bullpen shuffle underscores Duran’s value. Philadelphia has used 14 different relievers this season. Max Lazar, 25, posted a 3.18 ERA in Triple-A but has a 4.91 ERA in limited MLB action. Kyle Backhus, 26, allowed six earned runs over 3.2 innings in his last stint. The instability forces manager Rob Thomson to mix and match nightly.
Duran’s workload is managed carefully. The Twins limit him to back-to-back appearances only once per week. He has thrown 48 innings across 41 appearances in 2025, on pace for a career-high. Minnesota’s training staff monitors his elbow load via wearable sensors — a precaution after teammate and fellow flamethrower Jorge Alcala underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024.
Historical precedent is mixed. Aroldis Chapman’s velocity declined from 100.1 mph in 2017 to 97.2 mph by 2022. Josh Hader maintained 96+ mph while shifting to a slider-heavy approach. Duran’s splinker may offer similar longevity — the pitch generates whiffs at a 48.7% rate without requiring maximum effort on every throw.
The Twins hold a 3.5-game lead over Cleveland in the AL Central. Duran has converted 16 of 17 save opportunities. In a division where bullpen churn is the norm, one arm has made late innings a foregone conclusion.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is Jhoan Duran’s average fastball velocity in 2025?
- A: Jhoan Duran’s average fastball velocity has climbed to 101.8 mph in 2025, up from 101.1 mph in 2024.
- Q: How does Duran’s performance compare to other AL Central closers?
- A: Duran leads AL Central closers with a 94.1% save percentage, 0.83 WHIP, and .142 opponent batting average, far outperforming Emmanuel Clase and Alex Lange.
- Q: What is a splinker and why is it effective?
- A: A splinker is a splitter-fastball hybrid that averages 100.3 mph, making it the fastest secondary pitch in baseball and extremely difficult for batters to hit.
Extended Reading
Philadelphia’s bullpen moves were covered by The Philadelphia Inquirer and Sports Illustrated . SI’s reporting noted the Phillies have used the most relievers in the National League East. The Inquirer reported that Lazar’s recall was driven by a need for length, while Backhus’s option followed two consecutive blown leads.