The Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins have a history of making trades. In 2022, the Reds sent Tyler Mahle to Minnesota in exchange for Spencer Steer and Christian Encarnacion-Strand at the trade deadline. The two clubs also struck a deal in the offseason that sent Sonny Gray to the Twins and brought Chase Petty to Cincinnati.
Now, it looks like the Reds might be exploring another deal with Minnesota this summer. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Cincinnati is one of several teams showing interest in a potential trade with the Twins ahead of the deadline.
Nightengale mentioned relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax as possible targets, noting that the Philadelphia Phillies have been heavily scouting both pitchers. Other teams reportedly eyeing a deal with Minnesota include the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Reds Rumors: Twins reliever Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax could be on Cincy’s radar
Both Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax remain under team control past the 2025 season, making them exactly the kind of trade options that would appeal to Reds GM Nick Krall and the Cincinnati front office. Duran, who has recorded 15 saves this year, is earning $4.1 million and isn’t set to hit free agency until after the 2027 season. Jax, making $3.7 million in 2025, has tallied 65 strikeouts over 40 ⅓ innings and, like Duran, is under club control for two more seasons beyond next year.
Although Bob Nightengale mentioned Duran and Jax by name, the Phillies were the only club directly linked to both relievers. While Cincinnati would certainly benefit from more bullpen depth, they might also find value in other Minnesota players who could boost their offense.
One such name is Kody Clemens, son of seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens. Clemens, a left-handed hitter, is having a strong year despite a .216 batting average. He boasts a .507 slugging percentage and a 117 OPS+, along with 12 home runs. At 29, he also brings defensive versatility.
If the Reds are looking to reinforce the outfield, they might consider a reunion with Harrison Bader. The former Gold Glove winner played 14 games for Cincinnati in 2023 and is having a bounce-back year with the Twins, slashing .249/.327/.433 with 11 home runs and 34 RBIs—his best numbers since 2021 with the Cardinals.
Another potential target is switch-hitting utility man Willi Castro. Though he’s a free agent after this season and would be a rental, his .269/.361/.442 slash line and positional flexibility—having played nearly every spot except first base and catcher—could be appealing to the Reds’ decision-makers. Castro was also an All-Star in 2024.
If there’s one takeaway from the recent Reds trade chatter, it’s that Cincinnati seems to be in buying mode. With a few weeks left before the MLB trade deadline, Reds fans are hoping their team is gearing up to add talent rather than sell off pieces.
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